Slow Cooker Cheater Pork Stew

My Go-To Slow Cooker Pork Stew: A Busy Mom's Recipe

Life as a mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the house from descending into utter chaos, finding time for a home-cooked meal often feels like a Herculean task. But even on the busiest of days, I refuse to compromise on wholesome, delicious food for my family. That's why this slow cooker pork stew has become my absolute lifesaver.

It’s a recipe that requires minimal prep time – a crucial factor when every minute counts. I'm talking about a maximum of 10 minutes of active cooking time before you let the slow cooker work its magic. The beauty of it is that the longer it simmers, the more tender and flavourful the pork becomes. The flavours meld beautifully, creating a rich, comforting stew that's perfect for a chilly evening. It’s a dish that even my picky eaters can't resist.

Simplicity at its Finest: One of the reasons I love this recipe is its utter simplicity. No complicated techniques, no need to brown the meat beforehand – just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. I’ve streamlined the process, removing the need for any fancy steps. Honestly, the ease of preparation is half the battle when you're juggling a million things at once.

The Secret to Success: The key to a truly delicious stew lies in the quality of the ingredients. I always opt for high-quality pork, choosing a pork shoulder for its rich flavour and tendency to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked. I also don’t skimp on the seasonings. A good balance of salt, pepper, and herbs elevates the simple ingredients to a new level. And don't underestimate the power of a good quality marinara sauce.

Adaptability: This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Add other root vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness. Perhaps you fancy some green beans or mushrooms – the options are endless! You can also adapt the seasonings to your preferences. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an umami depth. The beauty of slow cooking is that you can customize it to fit your taste.

More Than Just a Meal: This slow cooker pork stew is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of home-cooked goodness and a testament to the fact that nutritious, satisfying dinners are achievable even on the busiest of days. It's a celebration of simplicity and efficiency in the kitchen, allowing me to focus on what matters most: my family.

A Warm Embrace on a Cold Night: As the aroma of this stew wafts through the house, it creates an instant sense of comfort and warmth. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the table, creating those precious moments of connection that often get overlooked in the daily rush. And when my family gathers around, savouring this hearty and flavorful stew, all the chaos of the day melts away, replaced with a feeling of peace and contentment.

So, the next time you find yourself short on time but craving a wholesome and delicious meal, give this slow cooker cheater pork stew a try. You won't regret it. It's the perfect example of how even amidst the whirlwind of daily life, you can still create something truly special and nourishing for yourself and those you love.

Step-by-step

• Slice onions, smash garlic
• Add them with carrots to slow cooker, season liberally with salt and pepper
• Grab high quality pork, cube it.
• Toss with seasoning mix and fish sauce
• Add another sprinkle of salt/pepper and toss to combine (before putting in crock pot)
• Add pork to top of onions/carrots
• Tuck cabbage wedges in on top
• Drizzle marinara sauce and more salt/pepper
• Put lid on low for 8-10 hours
• When pork/veggies are fork-tender, adjust seasoning with balsamic, salt, pepper. Add parsley if you like.