Keto Cuban Unwich with Slow Cooker Carnitas

2 Low Carb Recipes in 1!
We always love any reason to break out our slow cooker. We usually find ourselves reaching for it when we’ve got a crowd coming over but this time, we got an itch to make one of the most delicious sounding recipes in Mark Sisson’s new book, The Keto Reset Diet!
If you haven’t heard of Mark Sisson, he’s a paleo superstar that recently started delving into the world of keto after seeing people in his hometown of L.A. going crazy for keto. Sisson noticed an instream of commenters and questions about keto and after being approached by a publisher, he decided to throw himself into our world to see just what keto is and how it affects our health.
From Mark’s Daily Apple:
“This is a comprehensive presentation to educate you on the science and benefits of ketone burning and to give you step-by-step guidance to go keto the right away, avoiding the common setbacks that happen when many adopt an ill-advised approach to something as delicate and rigorous as nutritional ketosis.”
When we found out Mark Sisson was coming out with a book all about keto we contacted him right away to get a copy when it was available and (if we liked it) would share it with all the Tasteaholics!

Well, we loved it! Mark writes from an extremely professional tone and covers the keto diet from A to Z without overloading new readers. We particularly liked the encouragement to fast while on keto. Seeing positive results from fasting, not only in our weight but our overall daily life, we completely agree with everyone trying intermittent fasting!
The recipe section features some pretty mouth-watering recipes we were dying to try, including this 2 for 1 recipe for Slow Cooker Carnitas made into a Cuban Unwich. What’s an unwich you might be asking? It’s a sandwich without bread! The bread can be swapped for a low carb bread, or wrap, or omitted entirely – like Mark did.
Read on to see how to make this insanely flavorful recipe!

If you loved this recipe, you have to try these instant pot carnitas from Joy Filled Eats. This recipe is not only low carb and gluten-free but is also a mouth-watering dish you’re sure to love!

Cuban Unwich with Slow Cooker Carnitas

Macros per serving of Slow Cooker Carnitas only:
• 336 Calories
• 19g of Fat
• 32g of Protein
• 1g of Net Carbs

Macros per serving of Slow Cooker Carnitas in the Cuban Unwich:
• 426 Calories
• 26g of Fat
• 36g of Protein
• 8g of Net Carbs

CourseDinner, Lunch

Servings6 servings

Prep Time30 minutes

Cook Time10 hours

Ingredients

Slow Cooker Carnitas

1tsp

kosher salt

1tsp

ground cumin

1tsp

dried oregano

1/2tsp

black pepper

1

boneless pork shoulder roast(4-5 pounds)

1cup

chicken broth

1

orange(thinly sliced)

sliced white or red onion(optional)

fresh cilantro(optional)

cubed avocado(optional)

sliced radishes(optional)

lime wedges(optional)

jalapeno rings(optional)

lettuce or cabbage leaves, used as taco shells(optional)

Cuban Unwich

4cups

shredded Slow Cooker Carnitas

1cup

dill pickle slices

6

thin slices ham(the cleanest possible)

3tbsp

dijon mustard

2cups

shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

Slow Cooker Carnitas - makes 10 1-cup servings

In a small bowl, combine the salt, cumin, oregano and pepper. Trim the excess fat from the roast (you want some fat, just remove any big chunks). Press the seasoning mixture into the roast on all sides.

Pour the broth into the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the roast inside and arrange the orange slices over the top. Cook on low for 8-10 hours (preferable) or on high for 6 hours.

Carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and discard the orange slices. Use two forks to shred the meat.

If desired, place the shredded meat on a heavy, rimmed baking sheet or broiler pan. Turne the oven broiler to low and position an oven rack about 4 inches below the heat. Place the tray of meat under the broiler and allow some bits to get crispy, but watch carefully so it does not burn.

Garnish with any of the optional toppings and place into lettuce or cabbage leaves to make primal-style and low carb tacos.

Cuban Unwich - makes 6 servings

If you haven't broiled the Slow Cooker Carnitas , you should do so for the unwich to bring out maximum flavor. After broiling, remove the sheet but keep the broiler on.

Arrange the pickle slices on top, followed by the ham. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to carefully spread the mustard on the ham slices. Sprinkle the cheese in an even layer over the ham.

Return the sheet to the broiler to brown the top, about 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cheese, you want it to melt and start to bubble and brown, but definitely not burn.

Enjoy with a knife and fork or wrap in lettuce leaves, cabbage leaves or collard greens.

Loved this recipe? Let us know! Something didn’t quite turn out right? Ask us in the comments below – we respond to comments every day and would love to hear from you and help you out! And check out all our low carb recipes to learn to make more delicious and healthy meals that take no time to prepare!