Ingredients and Weight:
- Pork shoulder: 2 pounds (900 grams)
- Apple cider: 2 cups
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup
- Dried apples: 6-8 slices
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional): rosemary, thyme
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 4-6 hours in a slow cooker
- Total: 4 hours 40 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate) - requires slow cooking and basic knife skills.
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a slow cooker, place the pork shoulder.
- In a bowl, combine apple cider, chopped onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, dried apple slices, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the apple cider mixture over the pork.
- Add fresh herbs if desired (rosemary and thyme).
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the pork is tender and the sauce is reduced and flavorful.
- Serve with your favorite side dish or over mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
- Calories: Approx. 450-500 calories per serving (depending on the side dish)
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams (including natural sugars from apple cider and brown sugar)
- Protein: 35-45 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- This dish has a sweet and savory taste, with the apple cider creating a unique flavor profile.
- The pork is tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- It's a comforting dish that pairs well with colder weather.
User Comments:
- "This dish was amazing! The apple cider created a unique flavor that my family really enjoyed." - John Doe
- "I cooked this for a family gathering and everyone loved it. The pork was so tender and juicy." - Jane Smith
- "I added some extra herbs to enhance the flavor - definitely a hit at the party!" - Mike Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh or high-quality dried herbs for best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on preference.
- Check the dish after 3-4 hours of cooking to ensure the sauce isn't too runny or too thickened - you can adjust the liquid level if necessary.
- Serve with a side dish to balance the flavors, such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
