The Ultimate Weeknight Feast: BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

In the quest for meals that are both deeply satisfying and genuinely nutritious, few dishes hit the mark quite like a perfectly crafted stuffed sweet potato. Forget bland weeknight routines; we’re about to introduce you to a culinary revelation: the BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potato. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a hearty, flavor-packed experience designed to nourish your body and delight your taste buds, making it a repeat offender in the best possible way.

A Symphony of Flavors and Nutrition

Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes, their natural sweetness perfectly complementing a generous heap of juicy, slightly sweet, and tangy shredded BBQ pork. Add to that a vibrant, zesty coleslaw, cutting through the richness with its refreshing acidity and brightness, and you have a dish that sings with balanced flavors. But the appeal extends beyond taste alone.

This powerhouse meal is brimming with protein and fiber, essential for replenishing nutrients, supporting muscle recovery, and optimizing digestive health. It’s the kind of dish that leaves you feeling truly full and energized, not just momentarily satisfied. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and makes for fantastic leftovers, ensuring your healthy eating journey continues effortlessly.

Your Culinary Blueprint: Ingredients

Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Here’s what you’ll need to create six generous servings of this weeknight wonder.

For the Pulled Pork:

• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 4 to 6 large pieces
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1½ cups bone broth

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 6 small to medium orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (such as garnet yams), whole, rinsed and patted dry

For the Coleslaw:

• ½ cup avocado oil mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 (16-ounce) package organic coleslaw mix

To Serve:

• 2 cups barbecue sauce (opt for a brand with minimal ingredients and no refined sugar)
• 2 to 4 tablespoons grass-fed ghee (optional, for extra buttery flavor)

Method: Crafting Your Masterpiece

Step 1: Prepare the Pulled Pork

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the coconut sugar, smoked paprika, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will be your flavorful rub.
3. Generously rub the spice mixture evenly over all pieces of pork shoulder.
4. Heat the avocado oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
5. Working in batches if necessary, add the seasoned pork to the Dutch oven and sear, turning occasionally, until beautifully browned on all sides (about 1 to 2 minutes per side). This step builds incredible flavor.
6. Return all the seared pork to the Dutch oven, pour in the bone broth, and cover tightly.
7. Transfer the covered Dutch oven to the preheated oven and cook for 3 hours.
8. After 3 hours, uncover the Dutch oven and continue cooking for an additional 1 to 2 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds, with some delicious crispy edges.

Step 2: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

1. Approximately 2 hours into the pork’s cooking time, begin preparing your sweet potatoes.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the whole, rinsed, and patted-dry sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 1 hour, then flip them over. Continue baking for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the sweet potatoes are completely soft when pierced with a fork and wonderfully fragrant.
5. Carefully slit each sweet potato in half lengthwise and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Zesty Coleslaw

1. While the pork and sweet potatoes are nearing completion, prepare your coleslaw dressing.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil mayonnaise, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sea salt until well combined.
3. Add the entire package of organic coleslaw mix to the bowl.
4. Stir thoroughly to ensure the coleslaw mix is evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Once the pork is ready, transfer it to a medium bowl. Using two forks, shred the pork until it falls apart easily.
2. Stir in your chosen barbecue sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
3. For an extra touch of richness, brush a small amount of grass-fed ghee onto the cut side of each sweet potato half.
4. Generously heap the shredded BBQ pulled pork onto each sweet potato half.
5. Top with a dollop of the fresh coleslaw, or serve it on the side for a customizable experience.

Chef’s Note: Alternative Cooking Methods for Pork

For those who prefer a slow cooker or pressure cooker, here’s how to adapt the pork cooking process:

• Sear First: Regardless of method, always sear your seasoned pork in a large stovetop skillet (or use the sauté function in your pressure cooker) to lock in flavor before transferring.
• Slow Cooker: Combine the seared pork and bone broth in your slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or on low for 8 to 10 hours. The longer cooking time on low will yield even more tender results.
• Pressure Cooker: Combine the seared pork and bone broth in your pressure cooker. Set to high pressure for 1 hour, then allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 to 15 minutes.

Remember to adjust your sweet potato cooking time accordingly, ensuring you allow approximately 2 hours for them to bake to perfection.

Nutritional Insights (Per Serving)

This recipe is designed for hearty appetites, yielding 6 large servings.

• Calories: 750
• Protein: 51 grams
• Carbohydrates: 23 grams
• Fat: 49 grams

Editor’s Note: Each of the 6 equal servings includes about 8 ounces of pulled pork, which may be a substantial portion for some. If you prefer a lighter meal, consider serving with 4 ounces of pulled pork. This adjustment brings the protein closer to 30 grams while reducing calories and fat, and you’ll have more delicious leftovers to enjoy!

This recipe, excerpted from “HORMONE HEALTHY EATS” by Lauren Chambers, is a testament to how wholesome ingredients can come together to create truly unforgettable meals. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and relish in the satisfaction of a meal well made.

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