Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork

### Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork

Nothing says comfort food quite like a tender, juicy pulled pork dish. With the tangy sweetness of apple cider blending perfectly with the rich flavors of slow-cooked pork, this recipe is perfect for everything from a casual family dinner to a special occasion feast. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious dish at home with minimal effort.

#### Ingredients

- **3-4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt**
- **2 cups apple cider**
- **1 cup chicken broth**
- **1/4 cup apple cider vinegar**
- **1/4 cup brown sugar**
- **1 tablespoon smoked paprika**
- **1 tablespoon garlic powder**
- **1 tablespoon onion powder**
- **1 teaspoon salt**
- **1 teaspoon black pepper**
- **1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)**
- **2 tablespoons olive oil**
- **1 large onion, sliced**

#### Cooking Method

1. **Prepare the Pork**: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder. Pat it dry with paper towels.
2. **Season the Pork**: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork.
3. **Sear the Pork**: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder and sear on all sides until brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. **Prepare the Cooker**: In the slow cooker, scatter the sliced onions at the bottom. Place the seared pork on top of the onions.
5. **Add Liquids**: Pour the apple cider, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar around the pork.
6. **Cook**: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
7. **Shred the Pork**: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
8. **Serve**: Return the shredded pork to the cooker and mix it with the juices before serving.

#### Nutritious Value and Pairings

This pulled pork dish is rich in protein and contains healthy fats from the pork shoulder. The use of apple cider and vinegar not only adds flavor but also provides a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants. However, it’s important to balance the meal with other nutritious sides to round out the meal.

**Best Side Dishes:**

- **Coleslaw**: A classic pairing with pulled pork, coleslaw can be made creamy or vinegar-based, adding a crunchy texture and freshness to your plate.
- **Cornbread**: Sweet and slightly crumbly, cornbread complements the savory pork perfectly.
- **Roasted Vegetables**: A mix of seasonal vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes enhances the meal's nutritional profile.

**Best Drinks:**

- **Cider or Lager**: A chilled cider or a light lager pairs beautifully, mirroring the apple flavor of the dish.
- **Iced Tea**: A non-alcoholic option like iced tea, especially sweetened, complements the dish with its refreshing taste.
- **Red Wine**: A light-bodied red wine such as a Pinot Noir can also be an excellent choice, balancing the richness of the pork.

This Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile in pairing, making it a guaranteed hit at any dining table. Enjoy!