Pork Carnitas with Green Mole and Mashed Potatoes

Pork Carnitas with Green Mole and Mashed Potatoes is a beautiful dish that blends traditional Mexican flavors with comforting elements. This dish combines tender, juicy pork carnitas, rich green mole sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, crumbled queso fresco, and fresh cilantro. Each component is thoughtfully prepared, creating a hearty meal with vibrant flavors. The star of this dish is the pork carnitas, pork shoulder that is seasoned and slow-cooked to perfection. The pork is first seared to develop a rich, caramelized crust, then braised in a flavorful mix of freshly squeezed orange juice, chicken broth, lime and lemon juices, garlic, and aromatic spices such as ground cumin and chili powder. Adding a dried chipotle pepper imparts a subtle smoky heat, while oregano sprigs and a bay leaf enhance the depth of flavor. The carnitas are simmered for several hours, making the meat tender and succulent. After braising, the pork is finished in a hot oven to achieve a crispy, golden exterior, contrasting the tender meat inside. The green mole sauce, or mole verde, is another highlight of this dish. Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce known for its complex flavors and labor-intensive preparation. Green mole is made from a base of tomatillos, green chiles, and various spices and herbs, creating a bright, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. The mole powder used in this recipe was purchased from a market in Xochimilco, a vibrant area outside of Mexico City known for its traditional floating gardens and bustling marketplaces. Markets like the one in Xochimilco are treasure troves for authentic ingredients, offering a variety of mole powders that are difficult to find elsewhere. For those who don’t have the opportunity to visit such markets, green mole powder can sometimes be found in specialty Mexican grocery stores or online retailers specializing in authentic Mexican ingredients. The creamy mashed potatoes serve as a perfect base for this dish. Yellow potatoes are cooked until tender and then mashed with butter and milk to create a smooth, rich texture. The mashed potatoes provide a comforting, neutral backdrop that allows the bold flavors of the pork carnitas and green mole to shine. To assemble, a generous portion of mashed potatoes is spread on the plate, followed by a heaping mound of crispy pork carnitas. The green mole sauce is drizzled over the top, infusing every bite with its vibrant, tangy flavor. The dish is finished with a sprinkling of crumbled queso fresco, a mild and creamy Mexican cheese that adds a touch of saltiness and creaminess. Freshly chopped cilantro is scattered over the top, adding freshness and color. Lime wedges are served on the side, offering an optional squeeze of citrus to enhance the dish’s flavors even further. Pork Carnitas with Green Mole and Mashed Potatoes is a celebration of Mexican culinary traditions, brought together in a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. The combination of tender, flavorful pork, creamy potatoes, and vibrant green mole creates a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. This dish is perfect for a special dinner, offering a taste of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage with every bite. Whether you’ve sourced your mole powder from a local market in Xochimilco or purchased it from a specialty store, the authentic flavors of this dish are sure to impress and satisfy.