Iron Range Pot Roast (Porketta)

"Porketta" is a seasoned pork roast that was popular with the Italian immigrants who came to mid-Minnesota to work in the iron mines. This hearty dinner needs just a green salad tossed with vinaigrette.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (3-pound) boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt) roast
2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch slices
4 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
3/4 cup beef broth (or water)

Cooking Directions:

1. Mix together seasonings and rub over all surfaces of pork roast.
2. Brown roast in a little oil in large skillet over medium-high heat, turning often to brown evenly.
3. Place potatoes and garlic in 3 1/2 to 4 quart slow cooker, pour broth over and top with browned pork roast. Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 9 hours, until pork is very tender.
4. Slice pork to serve with vegetables and juices.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories 380 calories Protein 34 grams Fat 17 grams Sodium 520 milligrams Cholesterol 115 milligrams Saturated Fat 6 grams Carbohydrates 20 grams Fiber 2 grams.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of National Pork Board.