The acidity of the tomatillos beautifully balances the fat of the pork shoulder, so when serving the tacos there is no need for lime wedges. The onion and additional cilantro provide crunch and fragrance.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 5 cups (15 to 20 tacos; serves 6)

　　1 1/2 pounds tomatillos (15 to 18), husked and rinsed

　　2 serrano or jalapeño chiles, stemmed

　　1 teaspoon cumin seed

　　3 allspice berries

　　1 whole clove

　　3 medium garlic cloves, peeled

　　1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro

　　1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided

　　3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces

　　2 tablespoons vegetable oil

　　

Step 1

In a 3-quart saucepan, cover the tomatillos and chiles with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the vegetables uncovered, turning occasionally, until the tomatillos are tender and khaki-green all over but still intact, about 15 minutes. Reserve the cooking liquid.

　　

Step 2

Heat the cumin, allspice berries, and clove in a small, dry skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan or stirring the spices until they are fragrant and the cumin is a few shades darker, about 1 minute.

　　

Step 3

Put the spices in a blender along with 1 cup of the tomatillo cooking water and blend until the spices are ground. Using a slotted spoon, gently lift the tomatillos and chiles out of the remaining cooking water and put them in the blender along with the garlic, cilantro, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Blend until smooth.

　　

Step 4

Pat the pork dry and season with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Heat the oil in a wide, heavy 4- to 5-quart pot over medium-high heat and brown the pork in batches without crowding, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes per batch.

　　

Step 5

Return all the meat to the pan and add the tomatillo sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring to coat the meat, then reduce the heat. Simmer the pork, covered, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the sauce is thickened, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. If necessary, continue to cook uncovered to thicken the sauce. Shred the meat with two forks.

　　

Step 6

Make tacos with the accompaniments.

　　Cooks' Note

　　NOTE: The pork in green sauce will keep chilled for 3 days.

　　ACCOMPANIMENTS: Warm corn tortillas, Mexican crema or sour cream, chopped white onion, chopped cilantro

　　Reprinted with permission from Just Tacos by Shelley Wiseman, © 2011 Taunton Press