Carnitas With Spicy Pickled Vegetables And Cactus Salad Recipes

CACTUS SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat grill or broiler. Place cactus paddles in a bowl and toss with 1/4 cup of the olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Grill or broil the paddles until grill marks appear on each side, or they turn dark green with black patches, about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Cover and chill 2 to 4 hours or overnight. Cut cactus into 1/2-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cactus, tomatoes, onions, chiles, cilantro and cheese with the remaining 1/2 cup oil, the vinegar, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Toss well. Serve on plates lined with lettuce leaves, and garnish with avocado slices sprinkled with cracked pepper garnish.
• In a small bowl, stir all the ingredients together. Spoon over vegetables or drizzle lightly over dressed salads as a garnish.

SPICY PICKLED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Dissolve cubes in water, then add vinegar, sugar and pepper.
• Add vegetables, put in jar for at least one day (in the frig!)

CACTUS PADDLE SALAD/RELISH OR ENSALADA DE NOPALITOS

Steps:

• If the cactus is in big chunks dice to 1/2-1/4 inch pieces.
• Toss together with the tomato, onion and cilantro.
• Whisk together the dressing ingredients and toss with the salad.
• Serve.

CARNITAS SALAD RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• In a large bowl, season the pork with salt and pepper. Toss until well-coated.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over high heat for 5 minutes, until very hot.
• Working in batches, sear the pork on each side for 1 minute, until a brown crust forms.
• Add all of the pork to the pot with the chili powder, oregano, cumin, bay leaf, garlic, and onion. Toss to combine. Add the lime juice, orange juice, and chicken broth. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-high, and cook until the meat is tender, 1 hour.
• Remove the pork from the pot and shred using 2 forks. Let the carnitas cool for 10 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, carnitas, carrots, corn, black beans, and avocado. Toss well. Add dressing, if desired.
• Divide between plates and serve.
• Enjoy!

TAQUERIA-STYLE SPICY PICKLED CARROTS

Steps:

• Whisk vinegar, water, and sea salt together in a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat, and simmer until salt is completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
• Peel carrots and cut them into 1/2-inch diagonal slices. Cut onion into quarters. Cut each quarter into 3 strips. Cut stems off jalapenos and cut each jalapeno into 6 strips. Slightly crush each garlic clove.
• Warm oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, add carrots, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 minutes. Add bay leaves, peppercorns, oregano, and cumin seeds. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add onion, jalapenos, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and fragrant but not soft, about 15 minutes.
• Place vegetables in a 24-ounce wide-mouth canning jar. Pour in the cooled vinegar mixture until liquid reaches 1 inch from the top. Pour olive oil on top and secure the lid. Allow to cool to room temperature. The carrots are ready to serve after 1 hour but best after sitting for 24 hours.