Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Pesto and Cranberries

Ingredients

- 2 pounds pork loin
- 1 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 lemon, juiced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Loin:
Begin by patting the pork loin dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, then set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, sauté the sliced onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Crock Pot Arrangement:
Place the sautéed onions and garlic in the bottom of the crock pot. Lay the seasoned pork loin on top of the onion mixture.

4. Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread 1 cup of pesto evenly over the pork loin.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/4 cup chopped pecans over the pesto layer.
- Evenly pour 1 cup of tomato sauce over the pork and toppings.
- Add 1/2 cup ricotta cheese in dollops over the top.

5. Add the Greens:
Place 2 cups of fresh spinach around the pork loin, tucking some underneath the meat if possible.

6. Season and Start Cooking:
Sprinkle the teaspoon of thyme and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over everything.

7. Slow Cook the Dish:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

8. Plate and Serve:
Once done, remove the pork loin and slice it. Spoon some of the sauce and toppings over each slice before serving. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped pecans or cranberries for added texture and flavor.

Total Time

PT8H15M
8 hours 15 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

Slow cooker, Pork loin, Pesto, Cranberries, Dinner, Crock pot, Easy recipe, Gourmet, Comfort food, Healthy dinner

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Total Calories: 2,200

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