Habanero Pork Tacos with Salsa Verde
4.5-5 lb Boston Butt
1 white onion, sliced
4-5 habanero peppers, deseeded and finely chopped (I recommend about 1 per pound)
1 6 oz can tomato paste
Juice from 1 lime
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 cup beef broth
1 cup cilantro leaves and stems
1.5 cups tomatillos, chopped (about 3)
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
For serving: white corn tortillas, cubed avocado
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. First, trim the pork of excess fat, removing any large pieces. In a medium-large dutch oven, heat about 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until soft and caramelized. While the onions cook, make the pork marinade. In a medium bowl combine the habanero, tomato paste, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, cumin, chili power, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Once the onions are finished, rub the top and all four sides of the pork with the marinade (saving some for the bottom side). Place the pork marinaded-side down onto the onions in the dutch oven. Use the remaining marinade to coat the top side of the pork. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth around the side of the pork. Cover and bring to boil. Once boiling, cover and place into the preheated oven for 3.5 hours.
While the pork cooks make the salsa verde. Combine the cilantro, tomatillos, yellow onion, salt and pepper in a food processor. Puree until combined and set aside.
When the pork has finished cooking, carefully remove it from the dutch oven and place on a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat. Place the dutch oven on the stove top and bring to a high simmer. Let reduce by half. Use a spoon to remove excess fat from the top of the sauce. Once the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened, return the shredded pork to the dutch oven and toss to combine with the sauce.
When you’re ready to serve, warm the tortillas over the stove top flame or in the oven. Top tortillas with pork, salsa verde, avocado, and extra cilantro.
