Imagine a cozy evening where the aroma of savory pulled pork mingles with the sweet scent of pumpkin and apples, creating a dish that warms both heart and soul. Welcome to your new favorite comfort food: Pumpkin Apple Pulled Pork Chili! This unique twist on a classic chili recipe combines the rich flavors of tender pulled pork with the unexpected sweetness of pumpkin and apples, making it a delightful dish perfect for gatherings or a quiet night in. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pulled pork
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 2 apples, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing apples, onions, and mincing garlic. Ensure pulled pork is at room temperature.
- In a large slow cooker, layer the diced onions and minced garlic at the bottom to create a flavorful base.
- Place the pulled pork on top of the onion and garlic layer, spreading it evenly across the slow cooker.
- Add diced apples over the pulled pork, distributing them uniformly for balanced flavor.
- Pour the entire can of pumpkin puree over the meat and apples, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle chili powder, salt, and pepper across the mixture to season thoroughly.
- Slowly pour chicken broth around the edges of the slow cooker, being careful not to disturb the layered ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 6 hours to allow flavors to meld and meat to become tender.
- After 6 hours, gently stir the chili to combine all ingredients and break up the pulled pork into smaller pieces.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare your ingredients the night before. Dice the apples and onions, and mince the garlic so everything is ready to go in the morning.
- Choose the Right Pork: For the best results, use a well-marbled pork shoulder. The fat will render during cooking, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Layering is Key: When adding ingredients to the slow cooker, layer them as directed. This helps build flavor from the bottom up, starting with the onions and garlic.
- Adjust the Spice: If you like it spicy, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for an extra kick!
- Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the chili to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together even more.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your dish with garnishes like fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added texture and flavor.
- Leftovers? No Problem!: This chili tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for a quick meal later.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
