Slow Cooker Pork, Leek & Potato Stew (Serves 2)
Tender pork shoulder simmered low and slow with leeks, carrots, and potatoes in an herby broth. It’s classic winter comfort and uses WA-cold-season produce (leeks, carrots, potatoes).
Ingredients
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Kroger® Fresh Natural Pork Shoulder Butt Bone In1.5 lb $4.79 (reg) per 1 lb
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Organic Leeks (bunch)1 large leek (or 2 small), white + light green parts only, sliced and rinsed well $5.49 (reg) per 1 lb
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Simple Truth Organic® Cut and Peeled Baby Carrots Bag8 oz $2.99 (reg) per 1 lb
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Simple Truth Organic® Red Potatoes12 oz, halved (or quartered if large) $4.99 (reg) per 3 lb
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Organic Jumbo Yellow Onion1/2 medium, diced $2.19 (reg) per 1 lb
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Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs3 cloves, minced $2.79 (reg) per 3 ct
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Organic Lacinato Kale (optional)2 cups, sliced (add at end) $2.99 (reg) per 1 ct
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Chicken broth3 cups
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Dijon mustard (optional)1 tsp
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Apple cider vinegar1 Tbsp
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Dried thyme1 tsp
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Bay leaf1
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Olive oil1 Tbsp
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Salt & black pepperas needed
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Cornstarch or flour (optional slurry/thickener)1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Optional browning (adds flavor): Season pork all over with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high; brown pork 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add onion, leeks, carrots, potatoes, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Pour in broth. Stir in Dijon if using.
- Cook LOW 7–8 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours, until pork is very tender.
- Remove pork, shred into bite-size pieces, and return to the slow cooker. Discard bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
- Stir in vinegar (brightens the stew). If using kale, stir it in and cook 5–10 minutes until wilted.
- If you want it thicker: stir in cornstarch slurry and cook on HIGH 10–15 minutes.
- Serve as-is, or with crusty bread.
Health notes: Hearty, high-protein stew. To lighten: skim fat after cooking, or chill and remove the fat cap; add extra kale at the end for more fiber.
Drink pairing: Washington Syrah (Walla Walla/Columbia Valley) or a dry hard cider.