Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Chilli

The slow cooker and pulled pork are a match made in heaven.  The lower, slower temperatures of the slow cooker helps to create the right cooking spot for the pork to then be pulled apart just perfectly.  But that’s not all you can.  Once you have done the basics, you can then go another step and an example of this is the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Chilli.

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What is pulled pork?

The idea of pulled pork (or chicken or other meats) has become a really popular way to make something a little different.  The idea of pulled pork originated in the southern USA where it was based on a shredded, barbecued pork shoulder.  The forerunner of the slow cooker version was often cooked outdoors in a wood smoking oven. 

But it is more than just a way to cook the pork – it is a way to add more flavour to it.  Usually, a dry rub of herbs and spices is added before cooking then after the meat has been cooked and ‘pulled’ it is then mixed with another sauce, often a barbecue-style flavour.  It can be served in sandwiches or served with a salad or potato dish.

Recipe tips

What cut of pork should you use for pulled pork?

The best cut of pork to use for a pulled pork dish, regardless of how you cook it, is pork shoulder.  That’s because it has just the right amount of fat to keep the meat moist during the longer cooking time.

Some people like to get a cut of meat with the bone in while others say it doesn’t matter.  One thing you should made sure is that it is skinless because the skin will just cause problems when you come to pull the meat apart.

Creating a dry rub

There are loads of variations of a dry rub for different meats but when it comes to pulled pork, the very basic version uses one third brown sugar, one third salt and one third smoked paprika.  From there, you can add as many different ingredients as you like depending on your favourite flavours.

We’ve used something a little different in this recipe because it is for a chilli.  But if you were making just a pulled pork dish for sandwiches, then something based on the classic rub would be perfect.

What is liquid smoke?

Lastly, you might notice liquid smoke on the list.  No, that’s not a typo, it is a product you can buy in a bottle that has the flavour of smoke and is added to dishes to give that barbecue taste.  There are different styles available including hickory or pecan that will have a slightly different flavour.  You can always replace with a barbecue sauce if you can’t find it.

Yield: 4-6 portions

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Chilli

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A great use for pulled pork, this chilli has tons of flavour and is easy to make in the slow cooker

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 T. dark cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1 T. chili powder
• 2 t. ground cumin
• ½ t. cayenne pepper
• 1 T. Mexican oregano
• Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
• 3-3½ lbs. pork shoulder roast, trimmed
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 4-oz. can mild green chilies
• 3 T. tomato paste
• 1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes
• 1 15-oz. can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 t. liquid smoke
• 1 c. chicken broth (stock)

To serve:

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• Mexican cheese blend, finely shredded
• Red onion, diced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Mix the herbs and spices with the cocoa powder in a small glass bowl. Season to taste and stir thoroughly

Rub the pork roast with the seasoning mix and add to a slow cooker crock that is 5-6 quart in size. Arrange the rest of the ingredients around the meat and pour over the liquid smoke and chicken broth. Stir with a fork to combine

Cook on high for four hours or low for eight hours and don’t remove the lid during cooking

Once cooked, removed the lid and pull apart the pork with two forks. Leave it to sit in the juices for 10-15 minutes to get more flavour if you like. To serve, top with shredded Mexican cheese, red onion and fresh cilantro

Notes

If you don’t have Mexican cheese, you could use something like cheddar or a mixture with mozzarella in – just go for something with a little taste to it!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 3871Total Fat: 260gSaturated Fat: 95gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 139gCholesterol: 1080mgSodium: 2044mgCarbohydrates: 68gFiber: 22gSugar: 15gProtein: 301g

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