Pumpkin apple spice pulled pork with sweet potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork shoulder boneless, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 2 cups mirepoix pre-cut (see notes for migraine diet options)
- 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1 cup wine (white) or unsalted stock (use stock for migraine diet)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (omit for nightshade-free diet)
- 1 tsp cumin (dried)
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (check to make sure pumpkin pie spice does not contain lemon peel if on migraine diet)
- 1/2 tsp chipotle pepper (omit for nightshade-free diet)
Instructions
- Take the pork out of the refrigerator to begin to warm up. Turn the slow cooker on to low to preheat.
- Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick or cast iron pan, swirling to coat.
- Sauté the mirepoix for 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the cooked mirepoix to the slow cooker with all the other ingredients except the pork, stirring well.
- Add the pork, turning to coat well.
- Cook 4 hours on low.
- If desired, dice 1 or 2 sweet potatoes or other root vegetables. Pour over the pork and close the lid. Cook one more hour, checking after 45 minutes, until the vegetables are fork-tender but not mushy.
- Turn off the cooker. Remove the pork carefully with tongs or large spoons to a cutting board. Let rest 10 minutes, then shred with two forks.
- Serve pork with the vegetables and a side salad.