Clean Eating Pork Carnitas

This pulled pork inspired dish is flavorful and amazing!! Even better its a crock pot recipe that is kid approved in my house!

Ingredients:

3 lbs of Pork Loin
1 Bay Leaf
1.5 C Water

Dry Rub:

2 Tbsp of Chili Powder
2 Tsp of Cumin
1 Tsp of Ground Coriander
1/2 Tsp Cloves
1 Tsp Onion Powder
1Tsp Garlic Poder
1 Tsp Sea Salt
1 Tsp Oregano

Directions:

Put the 1.5C of water and bay leaf in your slow cooker.

Mix all spices together except the bay leaf.  I rinse my pork loins and place them in a bowl, toss the spices in the bowl and rub down the loins (I've yet to find a 3lb loin, I usually get two 1.5 lb loins). Place the loins in the slow cooker.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Keep an eye on the pork just to make sure it doesn't dry out.  I usually set it for 8 but check it at 6 hours and its usually ready to go.  If you need to add more liquid you can.

Once its done you will easily be able to shred it with forks.  Or my favorite tip- use a hand mixer! Its fast and blends all those juices right in.  (Try to remember to remove the bay leaf before you mix! ;) )

You can use this as your Red container for portion control systems.

For the Carnitas:

Corn Tortillas
Black or Pinto Beans in a can
Romain Lettuce
Diced Tomatoes
Diced Avocado
Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cilantro Lime Topping (OMG- this is the money shot! Its the MOST amazing part!)
1 C Greek Yogurt
1/2 C Fresh Lime Juice (typically a whole lime)
1/2 C Fresh Cilantro Chopped
1 Lime cut into wedges for Garnish

Combine all ingredients in a bowl for the dressing and set aside.

Add the drained beans with 1/2 C of water to a pot on the stove over medium heat.  Cook until heated through.  Gently mash with a fork until they reach your desired consistency.  

Lightly spray your corn tortillas with cooking spray and place on a foil lined baking sheet.  Crisp in the oven on 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes until desired crispiness.

Assembly

Take your tortilla and add your fixings go make you Carnita.  Add a Tbsp of the dressing on top and enjoy!

Measure out 1 Red, 1 Yellow, 1 Green and 1 Blue for this recipe.  Choose which of each color you would like.  

Pork is your Red. Beans and Tortilla are your yellow.  Cheese and Avocado is Blue. Tomatoes and lettuce are your green.

I prefer to omit the tortilla for the Pinto Beans and put mine over salad greens instead!  Have fun! This is a regular in our meal rotation!