Cafe Rio Knock Off

So I have heard of this great Cafe in Utah. I have never been there, but have heard several people talk about it. So for all of you who visit Utah or live there and love this popular cafe - This one is for you!!






LIME-CILANTRO RICE
1 Tbsp. oil
2 c. long grain rice (4 c. water)
½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
juice of 1 limes
1 tsp. crushed garlic
1 tsp. salt

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add rice, cilantro, and garlic. Saute 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water, lime juice and salt and bring to boil. Then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed by the rice (about 15 minutes).

“CAFE RIO” PORK
4 lbs. pork roast (I used Pork Shoulder from Costco -- $1.45 lb.!)
1 ½ cups of salsa (I used Pace Picante sauce)
1 can coke (I cooked it down until the coke was syrupy and reduced by half) No Diet!
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. salt

Place pork in crock-pot and fill it half way up with water. Cook roast on high for 5 hours. Drain off water. Shred pork with forks. Mix together ingredients (salsa, coke, brown sugar) and put on top of pork. Cook an additional 3 hours on high. Leave it on low until ready to serve.

CREAMY TOMATILLA SALAD DRESSING
1 packet hidden valley ranch dressing (not the buttermilk kind)
1 c. buttermilk
1 c. mayo
2 tomatillas (peel off outer leaf/shell)
1 clove of garlic, crushed
¾ bunch fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno, seeded for less spice
juice from 1 lime (about 2 tsp.)
1 tsp. sugar
salt & pepper

Blend all ingredients in the blender. Refrigerate.

To Serve:
For Café Rio Salad – tortilla, then beans (black or pinto), rice, pork, chopped lettuce, and the dressing. Finally, garnish your salad with shredded cheese (or cotija cheese), pico de gallo, & guacamole.
The pork is really good in burritos and tacos. We use the uncooked tortillas that you can find in the refrigerated section at both Walmart (by the Mexican cheeses) and Costco (by the eggs). I just heat up my griddle and cook them on it.