3 - 3 ½poundspork shoulder or pork loin, NOT tenderloin
2tablespoonssea salt
4clovesof garlic, minced
4tablespoonssmoked paprika
1tablespoonblack pepper
½teaspooncayenne pepper
1teaspoondried thyme leaves
⅓cupapple cider or red wine vinegar
½teaspoonadditive-free liquid smoke
1teaspoonmolasses
¾cupraw honey
1tablespoonarrowroot powder, optional
1tablespooncold water, optional
Instructions
Scatter the quartered onion over the bottom of whatever size slow cooker your cut of meat fits best in. Place the pork on the onions, keeping the fat layer on the bottom.
In a medium bowl, mash the salt and garlic together. Add the smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and thyme and whisk together to mix well.
Pour in the vinegar, liquid smoke, and molasses and stir until fully mixed. Add the honey and stir until completely mixed.
Pour the paprika-honey mixture over the pork, scraping the bowl to get out every last bit of smoky-sweet goodness, then cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 6-7 hours until the pork is tender and pulls away easily with a fork.
Remove from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
To thicken the pan drippings (if desired), strain all the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan, being sure to remove all the solids, then bring to a simmer. Dissolve the arrowroot powder in the cold water and whisk it into the sauce. Simmer just for a minute or so to thicken.
Toss the shreds with barbecue sauce or the thickened pan drippings (if desired) and pile on top of your favorite soft buns or ciabatta bread.