Carne de Cerdo en Salsa de Tomate y Chile
Tender pieces of pork simmered in a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a hint of chili, offering a savory and slightly spicy taste of Honduras.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Pork shoulder(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Yellow onion(chopped)
- 5 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 800 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 2 dried Dried ancho chilies(seeded and stemmed, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes)
- 2 dried Dried guajillo chilies(seeded and stemmed, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Oregano(dried)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Drying the pork helps it to brown better. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
In a blender, combine the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, soaked ancho and guajillo chilies, cumin, and oregano. Blend until smooth.
💡 Tip: Ensure chilies are well-soaked for easier blending. - 5
Pour the blended sauce into the pot with the onions and garlic. Bring to a simmer.
- 6
Return the seared pork to the pot. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the pork is very tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: The sauce should thicken as it simmers.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier dish, leave some seeds in the chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- ✓This dish pairs well with white rice and refried beans.
- ✓The longer the pork simmers, the more tender it will become.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced bell peppers (any color) along with the onions for extra vegetables.
- A splash of vinegar or lime juice at the end can brighten the flavors.