Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pork Roast: A Perfectly Sweet and Savory Meal
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There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the air. It brings back memories of my grandmother’s cozy kitchen on a crisp fall day.
Who would have thought this warm, comforting scent could transform a humble pork roast into a tantalizing feast? Well, today, I’d love to take you on a culinary adventure by sharing my slow cooker cinnamon pork roast recipe.
So stay put, and let’s weave in tales of this dish’s history and the joy of discovering the perfect blend of ingredients to switch it up from the mundane to the extraordinary.
History of the Dish?
This delectable recipe has a rich history rooted in the ancient art of slow cooking, a technique that transcends time and culture. Renowned civilizations, including the Romans and the Chinese, were known to employ slow cooking methods to create tender, mouthwatering dishes.
As the centuries passed, global culinary exchanges brought cinnamon and pork’s warm, comforting flavors together, creating an irresistible combination. The modern slow cooker, a 20th-century innovation, took this fusion to new heights, allowing home cooks to recreate this time-honored technique easily.
The recipe showcases the harmonious marriage of cinnamon and pork in a simple yet flavorful dish that pays homage to traditions. Today, the slow cooker cinnamon pork roast is a testament to the rich culinary heritage and the shared love for food that connects us across generations and continents.
What Can You Serve With Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pork Roast?
This Slow cooked cinnamon pork roast is a versatile dish you can serve with various side dishes. Some popular options include roasted vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or broccoli, a side of creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery rice pilaf.
Other excellent options include crispy roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Also, warm dinner rolls, garlic bread, or crusty baguettes are great additions to this hearty meal that you can use to mop up the juices and spices.
The possibilities are endless, and you can experiment with different side dishes to find what works best for you and your guests.
Ingredients
- Boneless Pork Roast – this succulent meat cut is the dish’s star.
- Salt & Pepper – for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the pork.
- Minced Garlic – adds depth and aroma to the dish.
- Brown Sugar – brings a touch of sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust.
- Dijon Mustard – adds a tangy element and helps balance the sweetness.
- Balsamic Vinegar – introduces a slight acidity and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Chicken Broth – provides moisture for slow cooking and contributes to a rich sauce.
- Cinnamon – the key spice that brings warmth and a unique twist to the dish.
- Cornstarch – optional for thickening the gravy if desired.
Preparation Instructions
Begin by using a fork to carefully poke holes all over the surface of the pork roast. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat. You can then season the roast generously with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
Combine the minced garlic, a cup of brown sugar, the dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar in a medium-sized bowl. Mix them well until a smooth, homogeneous paste forms.
Rub the flavorful paste all over the seasoned roast, ensuring it is well-coated.
Next, gently place the roast in the slow cooker.
Then carefully pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker, surrounding the roast. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours.
Optional: After 8 hours, remove excess juice from the slow cooker and set aside for making gravy later.
Thoroughly combine the cinnamon with a third cup of brown sugar in a small bowl.
Next, evenly spread this mixture over the top of the roast.
Continue cooking the roast on low for an additional hour.
Optional Gravy: To make the gravy, mix approximately two teaspoons of cornstarch into the reserved juice. Microwave for 30 seconds, adjusting the amount of juice or cornstarch to achieve your desired consistency.
Just before serving, pour the gravy over the roast, if desired. Slice and enjoy the tender, flavorful slow cooker cinnamon pork roast!
How Could You Switch This Up a Bit?
To switch up this recipe, you can consider the following ideas:
- Add fruit for natural sweetness and tanginess. Add sliced apples, pineapples, or dried fruit like cranberries or apricots during cooking. This will create a delicious contrast of flavors.
- Vary the spices by incorporating other spices like ground cloves, nutmeg, or allspice to create a more complex, aromatic flavor profile.
- Use a different liquid. For instance, instead of chicken broth, try using apple cider, orange juice, or red wine to force a different depth of flavor.
- Incorporate root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes to create a one-pot meal. Alternatively, add bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra taste and texture.
- Experiment with different cuts of meat: Replace the boneless pork roast with a pork shoulder, pork loin, or even a beef roast like Chuck or Brisket for a slightly different taste and texture.
- Make it a bit spicier by adding some heat, including cayenne pepper or smoked paprika in the spice mix.
- Create a glaze by mixing some honey, soy sauce, and a little more cinnamon, then brush it onto the roast during the last hour of cooking for a sticky, flavorful glaze.
Remember, when making changes to a recipe, you should taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
FAQs
How long can I store my slow-cooked cinnamon pork roast leftovers in the fridge?
In an airtight container, you can store slow-cooked cinnamon pork roast leftovers in the fridge for up to four days.
Can I freeze my slow-cooked cinnamon pork roast leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze your slow-cooker cinnamon pork roast leftovers for up to three months in an airtight container.
How do I reheat my slow-cooked cinnamon pork roast leftovers?
You can reheat your slow-cooked cinnamon pork roast leftovers in the microwave or oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pork Roast
There's something magical about the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the air. It brings back memories of my grandmother's cozy kitchen on a crisp fall day.
Ingredients
- 3 lb boneless pork roast
- salt & pepper
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- 1 ⅓ cups brown sugar, divided
- 1 tbp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp cornstarch, if making gravy
Instructions
Use a fork to poke holes over the entire surface of the roast.
Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a bowl mix garlic, 1 cup brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and the vinegar together until well combined.
Rub this mixture all over the roast then place the roast in the slow cooker.
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
Remove excess juice and set aside for gravy - optional.
In a small bowl mix ⅓ cup brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined and spread over the top of the roast.
Cook on low for 1 more hour.
For the gravy, add about 2 teaspoons of cornstarch to the reserved juice and microwave for 30 seconds - use more or less juice/cornstarch depending on your desired consistency.
Pour gravy over the roast just before serving and enjoy!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 832Total Fat: 49gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 205mgSodium: 474mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 0gSugar: 40gProtein: 53g
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