Pinkman's Pursuit Pockets

Name: Pinkman's Pursuit Pockets
Ingredients: 2 lbs (approx. 900g) Pork Shoulder (Boneless); 1 cup (fresh Hatch chiles if possible, or canned) Green Chiles (roasted, peeled, chopped); 1 medium, chopped White Onion; 4, minced Garlic Cloves; 1 tsp Cumin (ground); 1/2 tsp Mexican Oregano; 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika; 2 cups Chicken Broth; 1 tsp, or to taste Salt; 1/2 tsp, or to taste Black Pepper; 2 cups Masa Harina; 1 1/2 cups, or as needed Warm Water; 3-4 cups Vegetable Oil (for frying); 6-8 small, husked and rinsed Tomatillos (for salsa); 1, stemmed and roughly chopped (seeds removed for less heat) Jalapeño (for salsa); 1/2 cup, chopped Cilantro (fresh, for salsa); 1, juiced Lime (for salsa); 1/4 cup, crumbled Cotija Cheese (for garnish)

Crispy golden masa pockets, subtly charred and tender, bursting with succulent green chile pork carnitas. These 'pockets' symbolize Jesse's desperate pursuit of freedom, the secrets he carries, and the transformation he undergoes, finished with a bright, clean salsa.

Dish
18 ingredients
9 steps
Crime

Gather these

Ingredients

2 lbs (approx. 900g)Pork Shoulder (Boneless)
1 cup (fresh Hatch chiles if possible, or canned)Green Chiles (roasted, peeled, chopped)
1 medium, choppedWhite Onion
4, mincedGarlic Cloves
1 tspCumin (ground)
1/2 tspMexican Oregano
1/2 tspSmoked Paprika
2 cupsChicken Broth
1 tsp, or to tasteSalt
1/2 tsp, or to tasteBlack Pepper
2 cupsMasa Harina
1 1/2 cups, or as neededWarm Water
3-4 cupsVegetable Oil (for frying)
6-8 small, husked and rinsedTomatillos (for salsa)
1, stemmed and roughly chopped (seeds removed for less heat)Jalapeño (for salsa)
1/2 cup, choppedCilantro (fresh, for salsa)
1, juicedLime (for salsa)
1/4 cup, crumbledCotija Cheese (for garnish)

Step by step

Instructions

1
**For the Green Chile Carnitas:** Season pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, brown pork on all sides over medium-high heat. Remove pork and set aside.
2
Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, Mexican oregano, and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3
Return pork to the pot. Add chopped green chiles and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2.5-3 hours, or until pork is fall-apart tender.
4
Remove pork from the pot and shred using two forks. Return shredded pork to the pot with the remaining liquid and cook uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid is mostly reduced and pork is slightly crisped and flavorful. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5
**For the Masa Pockets:** In a large bowl, combine masa harina and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing with your hands, until a soft, pliable dough forms. If it's too dry, add a little more water; if too sticky, add a little more masa. Knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 15 minutes.
6
Divide dough into 12-14 equal balls. Flatten each ball into a thick disc (about 3-4 inches in diameter). Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared carnitas filling in the center of one disc. Bring the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching tightly to seal and form a 'pocket' or football shape. Gently flatten slightly.
7
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the masa pockets in batches, turning occasionally, for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Ensure they are cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
8
**For the Salsa Fresca:** Combine tomatillos, jalapeño, and lime juice in a blender. Pulse until roughly chopped, then add cilantro and pulse a few more times until combined but still a bit chunky. Season with salt to taste.
9
**To Serve:** Serve the hot Pinkman's Pursuit Pockets topped with a generous dollop of fresh tomatillo salsa and crumbled Cotija cheese.

The Inspiration

Why this dish

This dish embodies Jesse Pinkman's journey from captivity to a desperate search for a new future. The tender, flavorful pork carnitas, slow-cooked in vibrant green chiles, represents the richness and complexity of his past life and his inherent good nature that surfaces. The crispy masa pocket symbolizes the harsh exterior Jesse had to adopt to survive and the dangerous 'pockets' of his life where he held onto secrets and resources. The act of 'stuffing' represents his burdened psyche, while the golden-fried exterior signifies the trials he endured to break free and forge a tougher, new identity, hoping for a clean slate, much like the bright, fresh salsa.

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