Carne Adovada, a distinct New Mexican dish, is created from pork pieces, skillfully slow-cooked in a hearty sauce composed of dried red chiles, garlic, oregano, and cumin. This process produces a dish brimming with depth and flavor, its roots deeply embedded in Southwestern tradition.

Despite their similar names, Carne Asada and Carne Adovada provide completely different culinary experiences. The former is typically associated with marinated, thin-sliced beef grilled to perfection while the latter focuses on tender pork stewed in a flavorful sauce that boasts a vibrant mixture of dried chillies. The chiles used during the experiment were traditional New Mexico chiles, although substituting them with a medley of guajillo, ancho or chipotle chiles offers an alternate, delightful flavor palette.

The main ingredients required for this dish include dried New Mexico chiles, garlic, oregano, cumin, chicken stock, canola oil, boneless pork shoulder, kosher salt, black pepper, large yellow onion, a fresh bay leaf, fresh orange juice (preferably squeezed from large oranges), freshly chopped cilantro and freshly chopped yellow onions, as well as lime wedges.

First, toast the chiles in a hot cast-iron skillet, then cut them open and soak them in boiling water. After discarding the stems and seeds, blend the now soft and rehydrated chiles with garlic, oregano, cumin, and a portion of the chicken stock. Set aside this paste for use later. In a Dutch oven, heat oil and brown the pork, then set aside. Next, slowly caramelize the onions until browned, and blend with the reserved chile mixture.

Add the previously set aside pork, a bay leaf and the remainder of the chicken stock to the Dutch oven and bring to boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the meat sit for about two hours until it is tender. Add the orange juice and let the dish simmer until the meat is tender. Before serving, remember to discard the bay leaf and garnish the dish with chopped cilantro, fresh onions, and lime wedges.

This delightful dish brings the authentic flavors of New Mexico to your doorstep. Indulge in this marinated pork specialty served over rice and beans, tortillas make the perfect utensil for savoring every drop of the savory, rich sauce. This dish can also be preserved in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three days or frozen for up to two months, making it an ideal make-ahead meal option.