Carnitas tacos with spicy roast pineapple salsa

I had a few people over for Cinco de Mayo and wanted to try making carnitas - one of my fave taco options. They were delicious, and though you have to have a few hours to kill before you serve them, it's not a lot of work, just a long cooking time. The meat was extremely tender and flavorful and the spicy and sweet salsa went perfectly with the pork. I also like to top tacos with some very thinly slice radishes - gives it a fresh crunch and looks pretty too! This would be perfect for having a bunch of friends for a casual Mexican night, maybe adding in some carne asada and other salsas. Just throw it all in the pot a few hours ahead of time.

Carnitas

Ingredients:

3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into cubes

2 cups water

1 white onion, peeled and cut into quarters

half an orange, peeled

1 piece of bacon (or 2 tbps oil)

6 garlic gloves, peeled and crushed

3 bay leaves

1 tbsp milk

3 tbsp kosher salt

Directions:

Put all the ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until all of the liquid is gone. Preheat oven to 450°F. Transfer the pork to an oven proof dish and put into the hot oven until it browns. Take out of the oven, shred with two forks.

Spicy Roasted Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients

Half a pinapple, sliced

1 1/2-2 jalapenos, minced (to taste)

1/2 - 1 red onion, finely diced

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Juice of 1-2 limes, to taste

1/2 tsp chipotle powder

salt, to taste

oil

Directions:

Heat up a grill pan until it's very hot. Spray the pineapple slices with a little bit of oil and grill until brown and soft, about 5-7 minutes each side. Let cool. Medium dice the pineapple and discard the core. Mix the pineapple with the ingredients, adjusting peppers for heat.

(Tracy's finely constructed taco)

Making the tacos
Put out the carnitas, along with corn tortillas, finely sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, finely sliced jalapenos, salsa, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Have a grill pan or skillet warm on the stove so people can heat up the tortillas (about 5 seconds each side). Everyone can put a little bit of carnitas on (too much makes the taco fall apart) then top with whichever toppings they like!

(Jamie enjoying his taco)

And of course, last but not least, serve with margaritas!