Smoky Midwest Pork Delight
Experience the taste of the Midwest with this hearty Smoky Midwest Pork Delight. Featuring a succulent smoked pork shoulder roll, this dish combines the rich, savory flavors of the pork with tender vegetables like red potatoes and fresh green beans. The slow-cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a comforting meal that is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. While it resembles traditional ham in flavor, this dish stands out with its unique preparation and ingredients. Serve it with a touch of stone ground mustard for an extra layer of flavor that complements the smoky meat wonderfully.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Smoked pork shoulder roll
1 1/2 to 2 pounds (whole)
Onion
1 (peeled and quartered)
Red potatoes
4 to 6 (unpeeled and quartered)
Green beans
1 lb (trimmed)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons (packed)
Crushed peppercorns
6 to 8 (to taste)
Water
2 cups (as needed)
Stone ground mustard
optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
Place the smoked pork shoulder roll in the bottom of a large crock pot.
2
Add the peeled and quartered onion around the pork, followed by the quartered red potatoes and trimmed green beans on top.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, crushed peppercorns, and bay leaf. Stir this mixture into the 2 cups of water until well combined.
4
Pour the seasoned water over the pork and vegetables in the crock pot.
5
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
6
Once cooked, drain excess liquid and serve slices of the pork alongside the vegetables. Offer stone ground mustard on the side for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Midwest Pork Delight?
It is a hearty, slow-cooked meal featuring a smoked pork shoulder roll, red potatoes, and green beans, capturing the traditional savory and smoky flavors of Midwest cuisine.
What specific cut of pork is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 1 1/2 to 2 pound smoked pork shoulder roll, which provides a flavor profile similar to traditional ham.
How long does it take to cook this dish in a crock pot?
You can cook it on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours.
What vegetables are included in the Smoky Midwest Pork Delight?
The dish includes a whole onion (peeled and quartered), 4 to 6 red potatoes, and 1 pound of trimmed green beans.
Do I need to peel the red potatoes?
No, the recipe suggests using unpeeled red potatoes that are simply quartered.
What type of liquid is used for the slow-cooking process?
The recipe uses 2 cups of water seasoned with brown sugar, crushed peppercorns, and a bay leaf.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
What is the best way to serve the pork?
The pork should be served in slices alongside the cooked vegetables, with stone ground mustard offered on the side for extra flavor.
What is the purpose of the brown sugar in the seasoning liquid?
The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances the smoky and savory notes of the pork shoulder.
Should the green beans be fresh or canned?
The recipe specifies using 1 pound of fresh green beans that have been trimmed.
How do I know when the pork is finished cooking?
The pork is done when it is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Is the stone ground mustard cooked with the meat?
No, the stone ground mustard is an optional ingredient served on the side after cooking.
In what order should I layer ingredients in the crock pot?
Place the pork shoulder at the bottom, then add the onion around it, and finally layer the potatoes and green beans on top.
What kind of peppercorns should I use?
The recipe recommends 6 to 8 crushed peppercorns to provide a fresh, robust spice profile.
Can I substitute the water with another liquid?
While the recipe calls for water, you could use chicken or vegetable broth for a deeper flavor profile.
Should I keep the bay leaf in the dish when serving?
No, the bay leaf is used to infuse flavor during the cooking process and should be discarded before serving.
Is this dish considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, because the meat and all the vegetables are cooked together in the same crock pot, it is a complete one-pot meal.
Is the onion chopped finely?
No, the onion should be peeled and quartered to withstand the long slow-cooking process.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Fresh is recommended for the best texture, but if using frozen, it is best to add them toward the end of the cooking time so they don't become too mushy.
Does this recipe contain any dairy?
No, based on the ingredients list, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How should I store leftovers of Smoky Midwest Pork Delight?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this recipe be prepared in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you could use the slow cooker function on an Instant Pot, or pressure cook it for about 45-60 minutes, though the texture of the vegetables may vary.
What type of mustard is best for this dish?
Stone ground mustard is recommended as its coarse texture and sharp flavor complement the smoky pork perfectly.
Is there a lot of prep work involved?
Prep is minimal; it mostly involves quartering the onion and potatoes and trimming the green beans before placing them in the slow cooker.
Should I drain the liquid before serving?
Yes, the instructions suggest draining the excess liquid from the crock pot before serving the meat and vegetables.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
You can, but brown sugar is preferred for its molasses content, which adds a richer depth of flavor that pairs well with smoked meat.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the label on your smoked pork shoulder and mustard to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.
How do I prepare the crushed peppercorns?
You can crush whole peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or by placing them in a bag and hitting them with a heavy skillet.
What makes this 'Midwest' style?
It features traditional heartland staples like pork, potatoes, and green beans, prepared in a comforting, slow-cooked manner common in Midwest households.
Can I add more vegetables like carrots?
Absolutely, carrots would be a great addition; just ensure they are cut into large chunks so they cook at the same rate as the potatoes.