TACOS OF CARNITAS ROASTED WITH ORANGE, MILK, AND PEPPER

Tacos of Carnitas Roasted with Orange, Milk, and Pepper image

Provided by Deborah Schneider

Yield Serves 6 generously

Number Of Ingredients 13

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3 pounds boneless pork shoulder (butt) or boneless country pork ribs
1 tablespoon lard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 orange, well washed
1 cup whole milk
About 2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
Warm corn tortillas
Diced avocado, lightly salted
Raw tomatillo salsa
Chicharrónes espumas (skin), crumbled (see note)
Diced white onion
Cilantro sprigs

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut the pork into 6 or 8 pieces. Melt the lard in a heavy Dutch oven just large enough to hold the meat in one layer. Brown the meat on all sides and season with salt.
3. Squeeze the orange over the meat and toss the rind into the pan. Pour the milk over the meat and add enough water to almost cover the meat. Sprinkle with pepper. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 2 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
4. To finish, uncover the meat and break into into largish pieces. Remove the orange rind and discard. Roast, uncovered, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 20 minutes, or until the meat is brown and crisp on the edges.
5. To assemble the tacos, fill a warm tortilla with shredded pork. Top with avocado and salsa, a little of the chicharrón, and finish with generous amounts of onion and cilantro.