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Personal Note
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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I'll never forget the first time I tasted pesto and sun-dried tomatoes together. It was at a small Italian deli during a trip through Tuscany. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and those chewy, intensely flavored sun-dried tomatoes was a revelation! It sparked an idea: what if I brought those amazing flavors to my favorite comfort food – pulled pork? I'm telling you, that was a good decision, if I do say so myself.
The result? Pesto Pulled Pork with Sun-Dried Tomatoes – a symphony of savory pork, bright pesto, and sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is surprisingly simple to throw together but delivers a taste that’s anything but ordinary. The slow cooker does most of the work, infusing the pork with incredible flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, where you need something delicious with minimal effort. Plus, it's super versatile. Stuff it in slider buns for a party, pile it on a baked potato for a quick dinner, or even toss it with pasta for a creative twist.
Required Equipments
- Slow Cooker
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Two Forks
- Food Processor
Pesto Pulled Pork with Sun Dried Tomatoes: Frequently Asked Questions
Pesto Pulled Pork with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Elevate your pulled pork game with this flavor-packed Pesto Pulled Pork recipe featuring vibrant pesto and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or even topping a salad, this dish brings a taste of summer to any meal.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 360 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Take your pork shoulder (about 3-4 pounds) and trim off any excessive fat. Don't go overboard; a little fat adds flavor and keeps the pork moist. But too much and it will be greasy.
- Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended): Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper. Sear it on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor and a beautiful crust to the pork. If you're short on time, skip this step, but I promise it makes a difference!
- Make the Pesto Sauce: If you’re using store-bought pesto, great! You can skip this part. However, if you are feeling adventurous then try making your own. In a food processor, combine 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup of pine nuts, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Homemade pesto adds a real touch of class to this dish, trust me
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the seared (or unseared) pork shoulder in your slow cooker. Spread the pesto evenly over the pork. Add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained), 1/4 cup of chicken broth, and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the pork and pesto.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for tenderness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
- Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork. Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.
- Mix and Serve: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it with the pesto-tomato sauce. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Now, you're ready to serve! Pile the Pesto Pulled Pork with Sun-Dried Tomatoes on toasted buns, slider rolls, baked potatoes, or whatever your heart desires. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of elegance.
📝 Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
- If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers for a similar flavor profile.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 40 g
Fat: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 80 mg
