| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 3 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 455 | 28g | 10g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 3g | 35g | 1.15g |
One of the recipes I hold dear to my heart is the Nance and Pork Tacos. The combination of the tangy tropical Nance fruit and slow-cooked pork shoulder creates a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Every bite is a delightful explosion of tastes that reminds me of warm, tropical getaways while also evoking the comfort of the traditional slow-cooking methods we apply in both Bostonian and Irish culinary traditions.
A Recipe That Embodies Tradition and Innovation
Just as with many of the dishes my Irish grandparents would make, like a classic Beef and Stout Stew or a hearty Shepherd’s Pie, the preparation of these Nance and Pork Tacos aims for good things to those who wait. The slow cooking of the pork shoulder results in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that can only be achieved with time and love. And just as my family’s tradition of seafood recipes brings forward a taste of the Atlantic, the inclusion of Nance fruit in this dish brings a taste of the tropics right to our New England home.
This delicious blend of tradition and innovation mirrors the journey of my own culinary experience, as well as the home life I share with my lovely fiancée Laura and our adorable baby boy. Whether we’re sharing a quiet family dinner or hosting a gathering for friends, this recipe always leaves everyone asking for more.
Health Benefits of Nance and Pork Tacos
But the appeal of Nance and Pork Tacos goes beyond the taste. This dish also boasts significant health benefits. The pork shoulder, a lean cut of meat, is a great source of protein and essential vitamins. The Nance fruit, on the other hand, is packed with antioxidants, which are known to boost your immune system and improve your skin health. Plus, the variety of hearty and nutritious vegetables in this dish such as onions, garlic, and jalapenos, not only provide additional flavor but also add a load of vitamins and minerals. Here’s a link to a comprehensive article on healthy Mexican foods, which includes many dishes similar to this one.
The Nance and Pork Tacos go very well with traditional Mexican sides such as Mexican street corn or a simple guacamole dip. So why not redefine taco night by giving this dish a whirl? You’ll enjoy a hearty meal that’s steeped in culinary tradition and takes you on a tropical taste trip, all while being incredibly healthy. Now that’s a win-win!
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 2 cups of Nance fruit, pitted
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 6 soft taco shells
- Optional garnishes: sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream
Method
Step One
Begin by seasoning your pork shoulder chunks with salt, ground black pepper, and paprika. Ensure each piece is well coated for maximum flavour. Set this aside for a moment.
Step Two
Next, heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add in your seasoned pork. Brown the meat on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.
Step Three
In the same pot, add in your chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped jalapenos. Saute these until the onions become translucent – this usually takes around 5 minutes.
Step Four
Now, add your browned pork back into the pot. Pour over the chicken broth and lime juice, then add in your pitted Nance fruit. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, turn down the heat and allow it to simmer for about 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Step Five
After the pork has reached the desired tenderness, take it out of the pot and shred it using two forks. While you do this, allow the pot to continue simmering.
Step Six
Return the shredded pork into the simmering pot, and allow it to soak up the juices for another 10-15 minutes. This will give your pork a juicy, tender texture and soak it in even more delicious Nance flavor. Right before serving, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro.
Step Seven
Serve the Nance and pork mixture over soft taco shells. Garnish with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro and lime wedges. A dollop of sour cream would complement this dish well, adding a cooling element to balance out the heat. Enjoy your Nance and Pork Tacos!
