Best Carnitas With Orzo And Peppers In Red Mole Sauce Recipes

MOLE COLORADITO

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
• Toast the ancho, guajillo, cascabel, avocado leaves, bay leaf, canela, clove, oregano, cumin, coriander and peppercorns on a rimmed baking sheet until browned in spots (but not charred!) and very fragrant, nutty and spicy, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a large heatproof bowl.
• Toast the raisins, prunes, almonds, peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds on the same baking sheet until the nuts are lightly browned and the fruit are puffed and lightly toasted but not burnt, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the toasted chiles.
• Meanwhile, heat the schmaltz in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the plantains and cook until deep golden brown and caramelized on both sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Add the garlic, onions and 4 teaspoons salt to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the reserved chile mixture, the plantains, and the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the chiles are very tender and fragrant, about 30 minutes. Discard the avocado leaves, bay leaf and canela (if you can find them). Remove the pot from the heat and let cool slightly.
• Working in batches, transfer the stewed chiles to a blender and puree until very smooth and thick. Transfer to a large bowl and repeat with the remaining stewed chiles.
• Wipe the pot clean, transfer the mole to the pot and bring to simmer over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Simmer until the mole is the consistency of a smooth, thick tomato sauce, 5 to 10 minutes, adding water or additional stock if the sauce is too thick. Add the chocolate and stir until melted. Season with salt. Remove from the heat. Serve over roasted turkey or roasted chicken. Top with toasted sesame seeds.

CARNITAS AND ORZO IN RED MOLE SAUCE

Steps:

• Place pork, fat side up, in a roasting pan with a rack. Sprinkle pork with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Bake at 325°F for about 1½ hours. Remove from oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes. Trim fat and cut meat into ½ inch chunks. Set aside.
• Cook orzo according to package directions without salt for al dente. Drain and set aside.Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add peppers and onion and cook for 5 minutes, or until crisp tender. Remove from heat and stir in pork and orzo. Grease 13x9-inch baking pan and spoon mixture into pan.Whisk chicken broth, mole sauce, tomato paste, and remaining ½ teaspoon of salt in a small pan over medium heat. Cook and stir until bubbly and slightly thickened. Pour over mixture in 13x9-inch baking pan. Sprinkle cheese on top.Cover and bake in preheated 350°F oven for 40-45 minutes.
• Divide mixture evenly between 8 plates and garnish with cilantro if desired.Package any leftovers in airtight containers. Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days.