Slow Cooker Spicy Shredded Pork Tacos

makes 6-8 servings

For the taco sauce:

extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon chopped jalapeño

1 cup organic tomato puree

1 cup low-sodium vegetable stock

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

For the pork chops:

1 pound boneless organic pork chops, trimmed of any excess fat

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon coriander

1 cup taco sauce (see above)

1. Heat 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil in a medium sauce pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and saute until softened and golden brown. Add in the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the chopped jalapeño, tomato puree, vegetable stock, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.

2. Season both sides of each pork chop with salt and pepper and place the pork chops in the bottom of a 2-quart slow cooker bowl. Top the pork chops with the chopped onion, crushed garlic cloves, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and coriander. Pour one cup of the taco sauce over top everything. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours (or low for 4-6 hours), or until the pork chops reach 140 degrees.

3. Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and shred with a fork. Return the meat back to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the sauce.

4. Serve the spicy shredded pork with your favorite taco fixings -- my spread included flour tortillas, avocado slices, queso fresco, baby spinach leaves, salsa, and Greek yogurt.