Lite Cretons
Experience the lighter side of a classic Quebecois dish with this "Lite Cretons" recipe, a healthier take on traditional pork spread. Made with lean ground pork, skim milk, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, this recipe delivers all the comforting flavors you love in a guilt-free version. The finely chopped onion and minced garlic enhance the savory profile, while breadcrumbs provide the perfect thick, spreadable texture. With just 10 minutes of prep and simple stovetop simmering, this dish comes together with ease, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Serve it chilled on toast, rustic crackers, or fresh bread for a delightful, protein-packed treat. Perfect for meal prepping, this cretons recipe stays fresh in the fridge for days, ensuring you’ll always have a delicious spread on hand.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Ground pork (lean)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 250 milliliters Skim milk
- 60 grams Plain breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 125 milliliters Water
Instructions
In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the ground pork, finely chopped onion, skim milk, water, and minced garlic.
Cook the mixture over medium heat while stirring frequently to break up the ground pork into a smooth texture.
Once the mixture begins to simmer, lower the heat to medium-low and add the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate the spices evenly.
Let the mixture simmer gently, uncovered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
After an hour, stir in the breadcrumbs to bind the pork mixture. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the mixture has thickened to a spreadable consistency.
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cretons to cool slightly.
Transfer the cretons to a food-safe container, pressing down to ensure there are no air pockets. Smooth the surface with a spoon.
Cover and refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight. The cretons will thicken further as they cool.
Serve chilled on toast, crackers, or fresh bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1601 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.3 g | 118% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.9 g | 160% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 368 mg | 123% | |
| Sodium | 3228 mg | 140% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.6 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.7 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.0 g | ||
| Protein | 125.2 g | 250% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 620 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 8.3 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 2202 mg | 47% | |
*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.
