Comfort Food: Slow Cooker Pork and Black Bean Chili
There are many things I love about fall – the leaves changing clolours, wearing my favourite boots with jeans or a nice cozy scarf to keep warm during the cool mornings and evenings. But another thing I really love about fall is making comfort foods. You know, those hearty recipes that just warm you up and soothe your soul!
One favourite of mine is this slow cooker pork and black bean chili from Canadian Living. It's a nice change from your traditional chili with ground beef, using pork loin and bacon instead. I especially like the tomatoes and sweet yellow pepper salsa to go on top! Don't forget to enjoy it with some fresh dinner rolls, garlic toast or thick slices of French bread for dipping!
Photo credit: Canadian Living
Slow Cooker Pork and Black Bean Chili
INGREDIENTS
4 bacon sliced crosswise into strips
1 1/4 lb pork loin centre roast boneless cubed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 onions diced
1 carrots diced
1 sweet green pepper diced
4 cloves garlic minced
1 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cans black beans drained and rinsed
1/2 cup bottled strained tomatoes
Salsa:
1/2 cup chopped cherry tomato
1/2 cup chopped grape tomato
1/2 sweet yellow pepper diced
1/2 orange pepper diced
1 green onion thinly sliced
1 tablespoon lime juice
DIRECTIONS
In large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until golden, 8 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel–lined plate. Discard all but 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the fat in pan; brown pork, in batches. Transfer bacon and pork to slow cooker. In same skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook onions, carrot, green pepper, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper until golden, about 10 minutes. Add to slow cooker. Add beans, tomatoes and 2 cups (500 mL) water to slow cooker; cover and cook on low until pork is tender, 6 to 8 hours. Salsa: In bowl, combine tomatoes, yellow pepper, onion and lime juice; serve with chili.
