A lower Fat Version Of An Old Favorite, Pulled Pork
I love to experiment with different foods and this one is similar to a Portuguese favorite, Cacoila. By using a lean cut of pork, this removes most of the fat calories without sacrificing flavor. A twist to the cooking sauce is the key and may surprise you too. It takes a few hours to cook so its a great meal to toss together and simmer.
Ingredients
3-4 lbs pork loin
1 minced onion
garlic to taste
4 bay leaves
2 tablespoons crushed red pepper
Salt to taste
cumin seed about 1 tbsp.
2 bottles hard cider [a light version or a vodka drink may be used]
a big boiling pan.
water
Cut the meat into small enough pieces to fit into the pot and cover the meat at least two inches with water. bring to a boil under high heat. Reduce the heat to a low setting for a simmer and add all the remaining ingredients except one bottle of your cider/vodka drink. Let this simmer but check from time to time for three hours. Add liquid from the second bottle when needed to keep fluid in the meat. Its all done up when the meat pulls apart with ease. It should melt in your mouth. This is also a good time to add any extra salt as needed.
Here’s a great side that is also a twist on another favorite. Its my version of french fries, but a tasty healthy way to enjoy them..
6 potatoes cut into wedges in about the same size
your favorite seasonings
Cooking Spray
Cookie Sheet
Wash and pat dry your potatoes. Sweet potatoes are what I like to use as they offer more of a healthy carbohydrate. Cut them into wedges, leaving the skin on. Spray a cookie sheet with a fat free cooking spray, evenly. Put your favorite low salt seasoning in a plastic sandwich bag, and add some fries and shake. do this till all your chips are seasoned and bake in a 350 oven till fork tender. Serve with your lower fat cacoila sandwiches and a side of ketchup. For your sandwich, you can use a Barbecue sauce or just serve with a reduction of the marinade it was cooked in as a dipping sauce. You can also use a Carolina wet sauce which is a great alternative to the others.
Sit back and enjoy!
