Instant Pot Carne Adovado

Instant Pot Carne Adovado is a rich and flavorful New Mexican dish that features tender pork simmered in a spicy, savory red chili sauce. The pressure cooking method of the Instant Pot infuses the meat with the bold flavors of dried chili peppers, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a deliciously tender and mouthwatering dish in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. Perfect for serving with rice, tortillas, or beans, this carne adovado brings the authentic taste of the Southwest to your kitchen. The combination of smoky chili, garlic, and cumin gives this dish a deep, complex flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to New Mexico. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, Instant Pot Carne Adovado is a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 6 dried New Mexico or guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chili Sauce:
   • In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the dried chiles for 1-2 minutes on each side until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Remove the chiles from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Blend the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Transfer the onions, garlic, toasted chiles, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, and cinnamon into a blender. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
3. Sear the Pork:
   • Set the Instant Pot to the sauté mode and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the pork cubes in batches, searing them on all sides until browned. Remove the pork and set it aside.
4. Pressure Cook:
   • Return all the seared pork to the Instant Pot. Pour the blended chili sauce over the pork, stirring to coat all the pieces. Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 30 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before using the quick release to release any remaining pressure.
5. Finish the Dish:
   • Open the lid and stir the carne adovado. If the sauce is too thin, set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter balance.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the Instant Pot Carne Adovado with warm tortillas, rice, or beans. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a side of your favorite salsa.

Instant Pot Carne Adovado offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy the rich, authentic taste of New Mexican cuisine. The tender pork and bold red chili sauce make this dish a standout, perfect for any meal that calls for a taste of the Southwest.