Heart-Healthy Traditional Pork Rillettes

Elevate your appetizer game with this **Heart-Healthy Traditional Pork Rillettes**, a lighter, wholesome twist on the French classic. Made with **lean pork shoulder**, **olive oil**, and **low-sodium chicken broth**, this recipe prioritizes flavor without the extra fat. The pork is gently simmered with fragrant **garlic**, **fresh thyme**, and a **bay leaf**, then shredded to create a luscious, spreadable consistency that’s perfect for pairing with **whole-grain bread** or **crackers**. With minimal added salt, this dish is ideal for those seeking a heart-conscious alternative to traditional rillettes while still savoring the rich, rustic flavors of slow-cooked pork. Serve it with a touch of Dijon mustard for a tangy finish and watch it become a crowd-pleasing favorite at your next gathering. Ready in just a few steps, this healthier pâté is easy to make and perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:195 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams Lean pork shoulder, trimmed of fat
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 300 milliliters Low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 Bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt (optional, or to taste)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (for serving, optional)
• 4 slices Whole grain bread or crackers (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the trimmed pork shoulder into small, even cubes (about 1-inch pieces) to ensure even cooking.

Step 2

In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the pork cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring the pork is nearly submerged.

Step 6

Add the thyme sprigs and bay leaf, and season with ground black pepper. (Use salt sparingly or omit for a heart-healthier option.)

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.

Step 8

Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender enough to shred and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 9

Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the pot. Using two forks, shred the pork directly in the pot, mixing it well with the remaining liquid to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Step 10

Adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch of salt or black pepper to taste.

Step 11

Transfer the rillettes to a serving dish or jars and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 12

Serve the heart-healthy pork rillettes spread on whole grain bread or crackers, with a small dollop of Dijon mustard on the side if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(965.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1368.9

Total Fat 68.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 350mg	0%
Sodium 1701.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 53.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.1g	0%
Total Sugars 7.5g
Protein 127.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 159.9mg	0%
Iron 8.3mg	0%
Potassium 1914.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.8%

Protein: 38.2%

Carbs: 16.0%