Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

This Paleo-friendly pulled pork can be used with or without the Tangy BBQ Sauce (recipe follows). The sauce also can be used in other dishes. For example, you can spice up grilled chicken or add it to a burger for an extra zing.

Credit: iStockphoto.com/MarkGillow

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 8–10 hours

Yield: 4 servings

2 tablespoons smoked paprika

2 tablespoons ground black pepper

2 tablespoons ground cumin

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon salt

2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and blotted dry

1. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, black pepper, cumin, cocoa, and salt with a fork.

2. Cut the pork into 2-inch chunks and place in a large bowl.

3. Add the spices to the pork and toss until evenly coated.

4. Transfer the pork to the slow cooker, cover, and cook for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is browned and fork tender.

Per serving: Calories 370 (From Fat 191); Fat 21g (Saturated 7g); Cholesterol 132mg; Sodium 1,862mg; Carbohydrate 6g; Dietary Fiber 3g; Protein 39g.

Tangy BBQ Sauce

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Yield: 1-1/2 cups

1 cup Cave Man Ketchup

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

2 tablespoons coconut aminos

1 tablespoon honey (optional)

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 medium clove garlic, crushed

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1. In a large bowl, whisk the Cave Man Ketchup, water, applesauce, vinegar, coconut aminos, honey (if desired), mustard, hot pepper sauce, and black pepper until smooth.

2. Heat the coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. Add the ketchup mixture to the saucepan, and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently, uncovered, until the sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.

4. Enjoy warm or at room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Per serving (1 tablespoon): Calories 30 (From Fat 6); Fat 1g (Saturated 1g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 39mg; Carbohydrate 5g; Dietary Fiber 0g; Protein 1g.

Cave Man Ketchup

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Yield: 1 cup

One 6-ounce can tomato paste

1/3 cup water

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

2 teaspoons honey

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of cloves

Pinch of allspice

1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan and whisk to combine. Place on high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

2. Cool the ketchup to room temperature before using. Transfer to a container with a lid and store in the refrigerator.

To avoid the unhealthy compound Bisphenol A (BPA) found in most canned goods, look for tomato paste in a tube or use Muir Glen brand, which uses BPA-free cans.

Per serving (1 tablespoon): Calories 13 (From Fat 0); Fat 0g (Saturated 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 7mg; Carbohydrate 3g; Dietary Fiber 0g; Protein 1g.