Carnita Bowls with Dairy-Free Creamy Cilantro Chimichurri

CARNITAS INGREDIENTS

6 LBS Pork Shoulder

2 Tablespoons Minced Garlic

Himalayan Salt and Cracked Pepper to Coat

2 Teaspoons Cumin

2 Teaspoons Chili Powder

2 Teaspoons Oregano

¼ Teaspoon Cloves

1 Teaspoon Cayenne

1 Teaspoon Coriander

4 Tablespoons Lime Juice

¾ Cup No Sugar Added Salsa

½ Cup Broth, Beef or Chicken

CILANTRO CHIMICHIRRI INGREDIENTS

1 Small Red or Yellow Onion Chopped

4  Cups Loosely Packed Cilantro

4 Tablespoons Avocado Oil

½  Cup No Sugar Added Salsa Verde

½ Teaspoon Himalayan Salt

1 Teaspoon Minced Garlic

10oz Dairy-Free Yogurt

CHIMICHURRI ASSEMBLY

1. In a food processer make chimichurri.  Combine onion, cilantro, oil, salsa, salt, and garlic.  Pulse until smooth, or desired thickness.
2. In a small mixing bowl mix together chimichurri and yogurt.  Refrigerate. 

CARNITAS ASSEMBLY

1. Coat all sides of the meat with salt and pepper
2. Sear each side of meat on medium low heat for about 2 minutes per side.
3. While meat is searing combine cumin, chili powder, oregano, cloves, cayenne and coriander in a small bowl.  Mix well. 
4. Add broth to the crockpot.
5. Transfer seared meat to the crockpot.
6. Cover meat with lime juice, garlic, seasonings and top with salsa. 
7. Cook on low for 10 hours.
8. Around 9 hours, shred the meat and discard the sauce except for 2 – 3 cups worth.  Keep the remaining sauce in the crockpot and mix in your shredded meat.  Continue to cook for the remaining hour. 
9. Place crockpot on ‘warm’ until done serving. 
10. Serve with chimichurri, lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, guacamole.

SERVES 12 – 14

HEALTH BENEFITS

Garlic:  Can reduce high blood pressure, and it also contains antioxidants.  Top food for gut health – it contains prebiotic fiber, plus it’s also antiviral and antifungal. 

Cumin:  Increases the release of bile from the liver which helps digest fats in your gut. 

Lime Juice:  Vitamin C in lime when paired with foods rich in iron (ie: Grass-fed beef) helps maximize the body’s ability to absorb iron.  Those suffering from iron-deficiency symptoms like dizziness, brittle nails, hair loss, and fatigue should add lime to their diet. 

Cloves:  Help to regulate blood sugar by imitating the effects of insulin in the body, which regulate the levels of blood sugar in the body.  Cloves have been used as traditional medicine for a variety of illnesses such as diabetes. 

Pork:  Excellent source of Vitamin B1 which is vital for growth and repair of muscle and nerve tissues.   Also, a great source of Vitamin B6 which helps metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates for proper functioning of the nervous system.

Onions:  Contain quercetin, which is a polyphenol compound that acts as an antioxidant. Quercetin is beneficial for scavenging free radicals in the body.

Cilantro:  Helps support healthy liver function and balance blood sugar.

Himalayan Salt:  One of the cleanest salts you can find. As opposed to conventional table salt that is heavily processed which removes its beneficial minerals.