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As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a slow-cooked meal wafting through your home. Harvest Harmony: Slow Cooker Pumpkin and Apple Pork Stew is a delightful dish that captures the essence of autumn, bringing together the sweetness of apples and pumpkin with savory pork for a hearty meal.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin and Apple Pork Stew

Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with our Harvest Harmony: Slow Cooker Pumpkin and Apple Pork Stew. This easy weeknight dinner combines tender pork, sweet apples, and creamy pumpkin for a comforting dish that's perfect for chilly evenings. With rich spices and wholesome ingredients, it's an autumn delight that warms both heart and home. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this hearty stew tonight—save this recipe for your next family gathering!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 cups fresh pumpkin, peeled and diced

2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and roughly chopped

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Sear the Pork: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork cubes generously with salt and black pepper. Add the pork in batches to the hot skillet, searing each piece until they turn golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the seared pork to the slow cooker.

    Prepare the Vegetables and Fruits: In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Once cooked, transfer this mixture to the slow cooker with the pork.

      Add the Main Ingredients: Into the slow cooker, add the diced pumpkin and chopped apples. Sprinkle in the ground spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the mixture and drizzle in the maple syrup if you desire a touch of sweetness. Give everything a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

        Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. The dish is ready when the pork is tender and flavors have melded beautifully.

          Serve: Once cooked, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired. Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

            Enjoy: For a complete meal, serve this warming stew alongside crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all the delicious juices!

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6-8