LOW & SLOW PORK VERDE

My family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili.

—VAL RUBLE AVA, MO



PREP: 15 MIN. • COOK: 5 HOURS • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS


1 boneless pork shoulder butt roast (3 1/2 to 4 pounds)

1 large onion, chopped

1 jar (16 ounces) salsa verde

2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

Hot cooked grits

Sour cream, optional

1. Place pork and onion in a 4-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine salsa, chilies, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, pepper flakes and cinnamon; pour over meat. Cook, covered, on low 5-6 hours or until the meat is tender.

2. Remove roast; cool slightly. Skim fat from the cooking juices. Shred pork with two forks. Return meat to slow cooker; heat through. Stir in cilantro. Serve with grits and, if desired, sour cream.

To freeze: Freeze cooled meat mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, gently stirring and adding a little broth if necessary.