Introduction to Carne Adovada
Carne Adovada is a delicious and traditional Mexican pork dish that is typically served during special occasions and celebrations. This flavorful dish is made by marinating pork in a spicy red chile sauce, known as adobo, before cooking it until it is tender and juicy. While Carne Adovada is often prepared using an oven or slow cooker, it is also possible to make this dish on the stove.
Ingredients Needed for Carne Adovada
To make Carne Adovada on the stove, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into cubes
- 4 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
Preparing the Meat for Carne Adovada
To prepare the pork for Carne Adovada, start by trimming any excess fat and cutting the meat into cubes. You can use a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt for this recipe. Once the pork is cubed, set it aside while you prepare the adobo sauce.
Making the Adobo Sauce for Carne Adovada
To make the adobo sauce, start by toasting the dried chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. Then, place the chiles in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Allow the chiles to soak for about 15 minutes, or until they are soft. Next, combine the soaked chiles, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and water in a blender. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
Marinating the Meat for Carne Adovada
Once the adobo sauce is ready, pour it over the cubed pork and stir to ensure that each piece is coated with the sauce. Cover the meat and marinate it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. The longer the meat marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Heating the Stove for Carne Adovada
To cook the Carne Adovada on the stove, heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Once the pot is hot, add the marinated pork and any remaining adobo sauce to the pot. Cook the pork for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides.
Cooking the Meat for Carne Adovada
After the pork is browned, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the meat to cook for about 2 hours, or until it is tender and cooked through. Stir the meat occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Adding the Adobo Sauce to Carne Adovada
After the meat has cooked for about 2 hours, add any remaining adobo sauce to the pot. Stir the sauce into the meat and allow it to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Simmering Carne Adovada on the Stove
To simmer the Carne Adovada, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the meat to cook in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the pork is tender.
Checking for Doneness of Carne Adovada
To check if the pork is done, use a fork to test if it easily shreds apart. If the pork is still tough, allow it to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Serving Carne Adovada with Accompaniments
Carne Adovada is typically served with warm tortillas, rice, beans, and a variety of toppings such as avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges. You can also serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Conclusion to Cooking Carne Adovada on the Stove
Cooking Carne Adovada on the stove is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this traditional Mexican dish. By marinating the pork in a spicy adobo sauce and cooking it low and slow, you can create a flavorful and tender meal that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite accompaniments and enjoy!
