Shredded pork with tomato salsa on tortilla chips

1 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Twelve; (7-inch) corn
; tortillas, each cut
; into 4 rounds with
; a 2-inch cutter
Vegetable oil for frying the tortillas
poundsUntrimmed boneless pork shoulder or butt; cut into 2- by
; 3/4-inch strips
The zest of 1 lime removed in strips with
; a vegetable peeler
1teaspoonSalt
1Scallion; cut into 3 pieces
3Garlic cloves
¼teaspoonCumin
2Tomatoes; chopped fine
3tablespoonsFinely chopped onion
¼cupFinely chopped coriander
1teaspoonMinced jalapeno chili; (wear rubber gloves)
1teaspoonFresh lime juice
Coriander sprigs for garnish

Directions

FOR THE SALSA

Arrange the tortilla rounds in one layer on baking sheets, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them stand for 1 hour. In a large heavy skillet fry the rounds in batches in ¾ inch of 375°F. oil for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until they are pale golden and bubbling subsides. Transfer the tortilla chips with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and season them with salt. The tortilla chips may be made 1 day in advance and kept in an airtight container.

In a heavy kettle arrange the pork strips in one layer, add enough water to barely cover them, and add the zest, the salt, the scallion, the garlic, and the cumin. Bring the water to a boil and simmer the mixture, covered partially, turning the pork occasionally, for 1 hour, or until the pork is just tender and the water is almost evaporated. Cook the pork, uncovered, over moderately low heat, turning it frequently, for 40 minutes to 1 hour more, or until it is browned well and begins to fall apart. Remove the pork with a slotted spoon from the kettle, discarding the zest, the scallion, and the garlic, and transfer it to paper towels to drain. Let the pork cool and using 2 forks or your fingers shred it. The shredded pork may be made 2 days in advance and kept covered and chilled.

Make the salsa:

In a small bowl combine the tomatoes, the onion, the coriander, the jalapeno, the lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste.

Onto each tortilla chip spoon a heaping teaspoon of the pork and top it with some of the salsa and a coriander sprig.

Makes 48 hors d'oeuvres.

Gourmet September 1991

Converted by MC_Buster.

Converted by MM_Buster v2.0l.