Heart-Healthy Traditional Pork Rillettes
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of **Heart-Healthy Traditional Pork Rillettes**, a lighter take on a classic French delicacy. This streamlined recipe swaps out traditional fatty cuts for lean pork shoulder, simmered gently with fragrant garlic, fresh thyme, and a splash of low-sodium chicken broth for a wholesome, guilt-free rendition. Each tender shred of pork is slow-cooked to perfection, creating a creamy, spreadable texture without relying on added fat, making it a smart choice for cardiovascular health. Perfectly paired with whole grain bread or crackers, and complemented by the tangy kick of Dijon mustard, this dish is an elegant appetizer or snack that's as nourishing as it is delicious. With minimal prep time and a cook time that rewards you with layered flavor, this heart-healthy upgrade of pork rillettes proves that conscious eating can still be full of indulgence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Lean pork shoulder, trimmed of fat
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 300 milliliters Low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 Bay leaf
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (optional, or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (for serving, optional)
- 4 slices Whole grain bread or crackers (for serving)
Instructions
Cut the trimmed pork shoulder into small, even cubes (about 1-inch pieces) to ensure even cooking.
In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the pork cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring the pork is nearly submerged.
Add the thyme sprigs and bay leaf, and season with ground black pepper. (Use salt sparingly or omit for a heart-healthier option.)
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender enough to shred and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the pot. Using two forks, shred the pork directly in the pot, mixing it well with the remaining liquid to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch of salt or black pepper to taste.
Transfer the rillettes to a serving dish or jars and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the heart-healthy pork rillettes spread on whole grain bread or crackers, with a small dollop of Dijon mustard on the side if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1369 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.1 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.7 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 350 mg | 117% | |
| Sodium | 1702 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.5 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.1 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.5 g | ||
| Protein | 127.7 g | 255% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 160 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 8.3 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 1914 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
