Avocado and Smoked Pork Carnitas Recipe

Name: Avocado and Smoked Pork Carnitas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 pounds smoked ham hocks; 2 cups canned low-salt chicken broth; 1 onion, halved, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 bay leaf; 1 1/4 cups sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 cup finely chopped celery; 1 cup finely chopped carrots; 1 cup chopped green onions; 3 tablespoons minced jalapeno chilies with seeds; 1 head red leaf lettuce; 4 large avocados, peeled, halved; Fresh cilantro sprigs; Lime wedges

Servings: persons

3 pounds smoked ham hocks
2 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
1 onion, halved, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 bay leaf
1 1/4 cups sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup finely chopped carrots
1 cup chopped green onions
3 tablespoons minced jalapeno chilies with seeds
1 head red leaf lettuce
4 large avocados, peeled, halved
Fresh cilantro sprigs
Lime wedges

1
Place first 5 ingredients in heavy large saucepan.
2
Add enough water just to cover ham hocks.
3
Season with pepper.
4
Reduce heat and simmer until ham is very tender, turning occasionally, about 3 hours.
5
Remove ham from bone and shred.
6
Discard bones and fat.
7
Transfer 4 cups ham to large bowl (reserve any remainder for another use).
8
Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro and cumin in medium bowl.
9
Add celery, carrots, green onions, chilies and 3/4 cup sour cream dressing to ham and stir to combine.
10
Season with salt and pepper.
11
(Can be made 1 day ahead.
12
Cover ham mixture and remaining dressing separately and chill.)
13
Place 2 large lettuce leaves on each plate.
14
Thinly slice remaining lettuce.
15
Sprinkle sliced lettuce atop whole leaves in center of plate.
16
Mound ham filling in avocado halves.
17
Place atop bed of lettuce.
18
Spoon enough remaining dressing over to cover filling completely.
19
Garnish with cilantro sprigs and lime.

1231

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

103

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 pounds smoked ham hocks, 2 cups canned low-salt chicken broth, 1 onion, halved, thinly sliced, 2 tablespoons chili powder, and more.

Yes, Avocado and Smoked Pork Carnitas falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Avocado and Smoked Pork Carnitas

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions