Careme

Ingredients

• Kroger® Hardwood Smoked Pulled Pork (sale) 12–16 oz $8.99
• Butternut Squash 1 1/2 lb (about 4–5 cups), peeled and 1-inch cubes $1.49/lb
• Fresh Cut Celery Onions and Carrots Mirepoix Mix Diced 1/2 pack (about 4–5 oz) $2.99
• Simple Truth Organic® Low Sodium Free Range Chicken Broth (sale) 3/4 cup $1.99
• Kroger® Beef Gravy (sale) 2 Tbsp (optional, for extra body) $1.50
• Apple (Fuji or Granny Smith) 1 apple, diced $1.99/lb (Fuji each listed)
• Smoked paprika 1 tsp
• Ground cumin 1/2 tsp
• Chili powder 1/2 tsp
• Kosher salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Apple cider vinegar 1 Tbsp
• Olive oil 1 tsp (optional, for sautéing; can skip)

Instructions

1. Prep the squash: Peel and cube 1 1/2 lb butternut squash into 1-inch pieces (about 4–5 cups). Dice 1 apple (leave peel on if you like).
2. Optional quick sauté (stove, adds flavor): Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 4–5 oz mirepoix and a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until fragrant. (If skipping, add mirepoix straight to slow cooker.)
3. Load the slow cooker: Add cubed butternut squash, diced apple, and the mirepoix to the slow cooker. Add 12–16 oz pulled pork.
4. Season and add liquid: Stir in 3/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt (go easy—pulled pork can be salty). Add 2 Tbsp beef gravy (optional) for richness. հար
5. Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2–3 hours or LOW for 4–5 hours, until squash is very tender.
6. Finish: Stir in 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. If you want it thicker, mash a few squash cubes against the side and stir.
7. Serve: Spoon into bowls (it’s a stew-bowl). For a veg boost, serve with a side salad (spring mix is on sale at $3).