Name: Carne Adovada (New Mexico-Style Pork With Red Chiles) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 185 min
Ingredients: 4 whole ancho chiles (seeds and stems removed); 4 whole pasilla chiles (seeds and stems removed); 32 ounces low-sodium chicken stock (homemade or store-bought); 1/2 cup raisins; 1 cup frozen orange juice concentrate; 3 whole chipotle chiles (canned in adobo); 2 tablespoons white vinegar; 2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce; 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder (trimmed and cut into 2-inch thick cubes); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 medium onions (thinly sliced (about 2 cups)); 6 cloves garlic (minced (about 2 tablespoons)); 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 3 leaves bay leaves; Kosher salt (to taste); corn tortillas (optional); cilantro (optional); diced onions (optional); lime wedges (optional); queso fresco (optional)

Introduction to Carne Adovada Recipe

What is Carne Adovada and Why Should You Try It?

carne adovada is a flavorful dish hailing from the vibrant culinary landscape of New Mexico. At its core, it features tender beef that has been marinated and simmered in a rich sauce made from a variety of dried red chiles, spices, and aromatics. Why should you add this delicious recipe to your meal rotation? For one, it offers a delightful combination of smoky and spicy flavors that dance on your palate, making it a robust choice for food lovers looking to explore new tastes.

The beauty of a carne adovada recipe is its versatility. It can be served with warm corn tortillas, making it perfect for a casual gathering with friends or a cozy family dinner. Plus, with most of the cooking done in a single pot, it’s not only delicious but also easy to clean up! If you're seeking a dish that brings warmth to the table and satisfies while showing off your kitchen prowess, carne adovada should be your next culinary adventure.

So gather some quality beef, and let’s dive into a recipe that will surely impress! For more tips on smoking meats or cooking with chiles, check out resources like the National Center for Home Food Preservation for expert advice.

Ingredients for Carne Adovada Recipe

When diving into the world of Carne Adovada, the ingredients are essential for creating that authentic New Mexico flavor. Here’s what you'll need to gather:

Dried Chiles: Start with 4 whole dried ancho chiles and 4 pasilla chiles, both essential for that rich, smoky taste. Remember to remove seeds and stems!
Chicken Stock: Use 1 quart (32 ounces) of low-sodium chicken stock, either homemade or store-bought. This helps create a flavorful base.
Fruits and Sweeteners: Incorporate ½ cup of raisins and 1 cup of frozen orange juice concentrate to balance the dish's spice with a hint of sweetness.
Chiles in Adobo: Add 3 whole chipotle chiles canned in adobo for a kick of heat and smokiness.
Seasonings and Aromatics: You’ll need 2 tablespoons each of white vinegar and Asian fish sauce, alongside 2 medium onions, minced garlic, dried oregano, and ground cumin for that depth of flavor.
Pork: For the star of the show, select 3 pounds of boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes.

Don't forget to include kosher salt to taste and optional garnishes like corn tortillas, cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and queso fresco for that perfect serving!

Happy cooking, and enjoy this flavorful journey! For more tips on spices and cooking methods, check out Serious Eats for expert insights.

Preparing Carne Adovada

Making Carne Adovada, a delightful dish from New Mexico, is truly an experience that transports you to a world of bold flavors and rich tradition. Follow these straightforward steps to create a mouthwatering feast that serves six to eight!

Gather and prep your ingredients

Before diving into cooking, it's essential to organize your workspace. Gather all the ingredients to make this Carne Adovada recipe:

4 dried ancho chiles
4 dried pasilla chiles
1 quart low-sodium chicken stock
½ cup raisins
1 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
3 chipotle chiles in adobo
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
3 pounds boneless beef shoulder, trimmed and cut into cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium onions, sliced
6 cloves garlic, minced
Spices: 2 teaspoons oregano, 1 tablespoon cumin, and 3 bay leaves
Salt for seasoning
Corn tortillas, cilantro, and lime for serving

Now that you’re prepped, let’s move on!

Roast the chiles for maximum flavor

The secret to an irresistible Carne Adovada is well-roasted chiles. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the dried ancho and pasilla chiles. Stir frequently for about 2 to 5 minutes until they darken slightly, releasing their aromatic fragrance. This part is crucial because it enhances the depth of flavor in your sauce! You don't want them to smoke, just get them warmed through.

Make the rich and flavorful chile sauce

Once your chiles are nicely roasted, it’s time to make the sauce. Add your chicken stock, raisins, orange juice concentrate, chipotles, vinegar, and fish sauce to the pot with the roasted chiles. Bring this vibrant mixture to a boil and reduce it to a simmer, allowing everything to meld beautifully for about 15 minutes. Then, blend until smooth using an immersion blender or a countertop blender. Trust us, this sauce is where the magic happens!

Brown the beef for depth of flavor

While the sauce simmers, let’s bring the beef into play. First, dry the beef cubes with paper towels—doing so helps them brown nicely. Heat vegetable oil in the Dutch oven on high, add the beef, and let it sear without moving it around for about 8 minutes. The goal is that delicious caramelized layer that adds depth to your Carne Adovada.

Cook the beef and sauce to perfection

After browning the beef, transfer it to a cutting board and set it aside. In the same pot, add onions and garlic, then stir until tender. This builds further flavor—don’t rush this part! Next, incorporate your blended chile sauce along with bay leaves and the beef back into the pot. Allow everything to simmer, covered but slightly ajar, for approximately 2 hours. The beef should be so tender that it easily breaks apart with a spoon.

Once done, season with salt to taste, and your Carne Adovada is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with corn tortillas, cilantro, and lime for a complete New Mexican experience. Happy cooking!

Variations on Carne Adovada

Beef Carne Adovada with a spicy twist

If you're a fan of the classic Carne Adovada recipe and craving a bit of heat, why not swap out the pork for tender beef? Beef chuck or brisket holds up beautifully against the spicy red chile sauce. You can also elevate the flavor by adding a touch of smoked paprika for that extra kick. For those who like it hot, consider adding more chipotles in adobo or even some fresh jalapeños! This beef variation is perfect for heartier appetites and pairs wonderfully with a side of rice or fresh bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Vegetarian Carne Adovada for plant-based eaters

Vegetarian versions of Carne Adovada can be just as sumptuous and satisfying! Try using a mix of hearty veggies like mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini, sautéed before being simmered in the spicy chile sauce. Tofu or tempeh can also absorb those flavors beautifully, adding protein to your dish. For an extra touch, toss in some black beans for texture and a hint of earthiness. Serve this vegetarian delight with warm corn tortillas or atop a bed of flavorful quinoa for a unique and nutritious meal that everyone will rave about!

For more inspiration, check out this guide on plant-based proteins to discover how to elevate your cooking game while keeping it satisfying and delicious!

Cooking Tips for Carne Adovada

Creating a mouthwatering Carne Adovada recipe is all about the right balance of flavors and techniques. Here are some handy tips to elevate your dish:

Choose Quality Meat: For the best results, select fresh beef shoulder. This cut has the perfect amount of fat, ensuring tender, juicy bites.
Chiles Matter: Select dried chiles that feel pliable and vibrant. If they’re too brittle, they might not impart the rich flavor you want. Try experimenting with different varieties to find your favorite blend.
Slow Cooking is Key: Allow the Carne Adovada to simmer. This melds the flavors and tenderizes the beef beautifully. Maintaining a low heat will work wonders!

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting! For more tips, check out culinary resources like America's Test Kitchen for in-depth advice.

Serving Suggestions for Carne Adovada

What to serve with Carne Adovada for a complete meal

To truly elevate your Carne Adovada recipe, consider pairing it with traditional accompaniments that complement its rich and spicy flavors. Here are some tasty suggestions:

Corn Tortillas: Warm, soft corn tortillas are a must. Use them to scoop up the tender beef and sauce.
Cilantro and Diced Onions: Fresh cilantro adds brightness, while diced onions provide a satisfying crunch.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice enhances the flavors and balances the heat.
Queso Fresco: Crumbled cheese adds a creamy texture and a mild, salty contrast.

For added texture, consider serving rice or a fresh salad on the side. These options create a delightful and well-rounded meal. Enjoy!

Time Breakdown for Carne Adovada

Preparation Time

Getting started with our Carne Adovada recipe is a breeze! You'll need about 5 minutes to gather your ingredients and prep the chiles and pork. It’s quick, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a comforting meal in no time.

Cooking Time

The magic happens during the cooking process, which takes approximately 3 hours. This includes browning the beef, simmering the flavors together, and allowing the delicious sauce to thicken to perfection. Patience is key, but trust us, the wait is worth it!

Total Time

In total, you’ll dedicate about 3 hours and 5 minutes to this delightful dish, making it an excellent choice for a cozy weekend dinner or a weekday treat if you have some time to spare. Enjoy every bite!

For more cooking tips and inspiration, consider checking out Serious Eats or Bon Appétit for additional recipes and techniques!

Nutritional Facts for Carne Adovada

Calories

Each serving of this Carne Adovada recipe offers approximately 350-400 calories, making it a satisfying meal that doesn't overload your daily calorie intake.

Protein

Packed with nutrient-rich beef, this dish provides about 30 grams of protein per serving, supporting muscle growth and keeping you full longer.

Sodium

Watch your sodium intake! A serving contains roughly 900-1000 mg of sodium, primarily from seasonings and broth. Consider opting for a low-sodium broth to keep this tasty dish heart-healthy.

For more information on nutritional guidelines, check out the USDA resources. Enjoy the flavorful journey of Carne Adovada while balancing your nutritional goals!

FAQs about Carne Adovada

What kind of beef is best for Carne Adovada?

For a succulent Carne Adovada recipe, boneless beef shoulder is your best bet. This cut is well-marbled, which ensures tenderness during the long cooking process. You might also consider using brisket for a richer flavor, but stick with cuts that can handle low and slow cooking to achieve those melt-in-your-mouth textures.

Can I make Carne Adovada in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making your Carne Adovada a day ahead can enhance the flavors. Letting it sit allows the spices to marry beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove until warmed through. Trust me, it gets even better!

How spicy is Carne Adovada?

The heat level of your Carne Adovada depends largely on the type and amount of chiles you use. Ancho and pasilla chiles are generally mild, while chipotles in adobo add a bit of kick. If you're sensitive to spice, feel free to adjust the amounts or opt for less spicy chiles. Just remember, you can always add heat, but it's harder to take it away!

For more tips on heat management, check out this article on choosing the right chiles for your cooking.

Conclusion on Carne Adovada Recipe

In conclusion, Carne Adovada is not just a meal; it's a warm embrace of New Mexican flavors. This rich and spicy dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Embrace the easy preparation and let the aromatic spices transport you to the Southwest. Enjoy every bite!