Weight Watchers Crock Pot Pork Carnitas is ideal for a weeknight dinner. The Weight Watchers diet program is compatible with this pork dish. The main target of this dish is to control fat and calorie intake while producing a tasty and delightful meal. Any individual who likes Mexican food but strives to eat healthy and better will find this dish truly remarkable. With a crockpot, you can simmer the pork to delicate perfection without keeping an eye on it for 24 by 7 hours. The result is flavorful and juicy pork which is ideal for presenting with your chosen garnishes. Weight Watchers Crock Pot Pork Carnitas is a great pick for every person attempting to reduce weight or establish a healthy lifestyle. In addition to being tasty, this dish is high in fiber and protein, which will keep you feeling satisfied and happy.
STATS:
- Course: Main Cuisine
- Diet: Weight Watchers, Dairy free, Gluten-free
- Prep time: 5 mins
- Time to Cook: 7 hours
- Total time: 7 hrs 5 mins
EQUIPMENT:
- A sharp knife
- Crockpot
- Serving plate
INGREDIENTS:
- Sliced onion 2
- Pork tenderloin 2 Ibs
- Green chile salsa half a cup
- 1 can of Chopped tomatoes and Chile salsa
- Bay leaves 2
- Cayenne pepper 2 tsp
- 2 tsp of chili powder
- Ground cumin half a teaspoon
INGREDIENT NOTES:
Pork tenderloin:
- Choose a skin-free and less-fat pork to prepare this Pork Carnitas dish.
Chopped tomatoes with green chilies:
- We used low-sodium canned tomatoes and green chilies. I prefer to use the Rotel brand.
Bay leaves:
- It improves the dish’s flavor.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- With a sharp knife, cut the one onion into large pieces.
- Arrange sliced onions down the bottom of the crockpot.
- Chop the remaining onion and reserve it for a garnish.
- Next, add pork tenderloin over the sliced onions.
- Then, cover the pork with bay leaves, ground cumin, and chili powder.
- Now, add chopped onions, half a cup of green chile salsa, a full can of green chiles, and tomatoes over the pork.
- Combine all items and simmer them on low heat for five to eight hours.
- When the pork is done, remove the cooked pork from the pot and chop it.
- Return the chopped pork to the pot to keep it hot and absorb the flavors.
- The delicious Weight Watchers Crock Pot Pork Carnitas is ready.
- Shift the cooked pork to a plate.
- Top it with crushed bay leaves or chopped onions.
- Serve it with corn tortillas or green chile sauce.
VARIATIONS:
- Include cinnamon, coriander, or cumin for a touch of warmth.
- Add zest and juice from limes or oranges for a zesty flavor.
- Use a hint of cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, and crushed red paprika for a spicy taste.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Serve this dish with Korean-style BBQ sauce and grilled vegetables.
- Fill the lettuce wraps or corn tortillas with cooked pork for a low-carb option.
- Fill large whole-wheat tortillas with cooked carnitas, rice, beans, and your preferred topping.
- Serve it with brown, cauliflower, or white rice.
- Enjoy carnitas with sizzling fajita-style vegetables and hot tortillas made with flour.
- Top baked tortilla chips with a layer of carnitas, salsa, and guacamole.
TIPS:
- Choose lean cuts like tenderloin or shoulder to prepare a flavorful and tasty dish.
- Skim off any extra visible thick fat layers before simmering.
- Use the right, fresh, and ground spices for a distinctive taste.
- You can also marinate the pork in a mixture of spices, citrus juice, and flavorful cooking oil for approximately twenty-five to forty-five minutes.
- Simmer the pork in a small quantity of vegetable/chicken broth or water to avoid dryness.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
Fridge:
- Store the cooked pork in a closed vessel and refrigerate it for seven to eight days.
Freezer:
- The pork can last up to three months in the freezer.
Rewarm:
- You can rewarm the stored pork carnitas in the microwave or the burner.
FAQs:
Which cut of pork works best in this recipe?
- Lean pork shoulder, tenderloin, or pork butt works well for this recipe. Tenderloin is usually a thinner cut than those two, so be sure to adjust points and nutritional facts.
Which healthy toppings go well with Pork Carnitas?
- Chopped tomatoes, grated lettuce, avocado, guacamole, light sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, and salsa are the good choices, that intensify the dish’s appearance.
Can I replace the pork with another lean protein option?
- You can prepare this pork recipe with lean beef or chicken, but the duration of cooking and procedure may vary.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION/SERVING:
Serving Size 1 g
Total quantity 10 people servings
Total Calories 172 kcal
Carbohydrates 6 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Protein 24 g
Sugar 4 g
Total Fat 4 g
Sodium 279 mg
Iron 1.8 mg
Each serving of this dish gives a total of two (2) Weight Watchers points.