Are you tired of tough and unappetizing peameal bacon? Have you ever wondered how to make a tender and delicious peameal bacon roast in your slow cooker?
Look no further!
In this article, we will guide you through the process of slow-cooking a peameal bacon roast to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a tasty lunch or a hearty breakfast, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
So, grab your slow cooker and let’s get started!
How To Cook Peameal Bacon Roast In Slow Cooker?
To begin, you will need a whole uncooked peameal bacon slab and a slow cooker. Pour an inch of water into the slow cooker and set it on high. Place the peameal bacon slab into the slow cooker, making sure that the water comes about one-third to one-half of the way up the side of the slab.
After half an hour, turn the slow cooker to low and cook for three more hours, rotating the slab after 1.5 hours. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly on a cutting board. Slice it thinly and set it aside.
What Is Peameal Bacon?
Peameal bacon, also known as cornmeal bacon, is a type of back bacon made from trimmed lean boneless pork loin that has been wet-cured and rolled in cornmeal. The name “peameal bacon” originated from the historic practice of rolling the cured and trimmed boneless loin in dried and ground yellow peas to extend its shelf life. However, since the end of World War I, it has been rolled in ground yellow cornmeal. Unlike other types of bacon, peameal bacon is not smoked, giving it a milder flavor once it’s off the griddle. It is also much leaner than regular bacon as it is trimmed of fat. Peameal bacon sandwiches are often considered a signature dish of Toronto and can be found across Canada and parts of England. Peameal bacon roast can be cooked in a slow cooker for a tender and juicy result.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Peameal Bacon
When it comes to choosing the right cut of peameal bacon, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure you are purchasing an uncooked slab of peameal bacon, as this is the traditional way to prepare it. Look for a slab that is evenly shaped and has a good amount of marbling, as this will ensure that the bacon stays moist and flavorful during cooking.
It’s also important to consider the thickness of the slab. Thicker slabs will take longer to cook and may require more water in the slow cooker, while thinner slabs will cook more quickly and may require less water. It’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended cooking times and water levels based on the thickness of your particular slab.
Finally, consider whether you want your peameal bacon sliced or unsliced. If you plan to slice it yourself, look for a slab that is easy to handle and has a consistent shape. If you prefer pre-sliced bacon, make sure to check the package for the thickness of the slices and adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Preparing The Peameal Bacon Roast
If you prefer to prepare your peameal bacon roast in the oven, there are a few steps to follow. First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, remove any plastic wrap around the meat and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Next, place a cooling rack on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Place the bacon on the rack and score the top of the meat, cutting in about 1/2 inch deep. Make the cuts diagonally, and then cut the same lines at a 90 degree angle.
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Brush maple syrup on the top of the roast and sprinkle it with 1/2 tsp Italian dressing. Rub in some olive oil and place sliced garlic in the pockets you created earlier.
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven for one hour. After one hour, remove the foil and continue cooking until the roast reaches an internal temperature of 165F. This should take about 50-60 minutes longer.
If you have a glaze that you want to caramelize, heat the roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit in a covered pan with a small splash of water, wine or apple juice for moisture. Uncover it for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Once the roast is cooked, let it rest for at least five minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Slow Cooking The Peameal Bacon Roast
Slow-cooking the peameal bacon roast is a great way to achieve a tender and juicy result. The process is simple and requires minimal effort. To start, place the whole uncooked peameal bacon slab into the slow cooker with an inch of water. Set it on high and let it cook for half an hour.
After half an hour, turn the slow cooker to low and let it cook for three more hours, rotating the slab after 1.5 hours. This will ensure that it cooks evenly on all sides. The slow cooking process allows the meat to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors.
Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly on a cutting board. Slice it thinly and serve it with your favorite sides. The result is a delicious, tender, and juicy piece of meat that you can serve for lunch or breakfast.
Adding Flavors And Seasonings
To add some extra flavor to your peameal bacon roast, you can prepare a spice rub or marinade mixture. For a spice rub, combine kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, dry mustard powder, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Measure out three tablespoons of this mixture and set it aside for later.
To prepare a marinade mixture, you can use ingredients like dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and various herbs and spices. Brush the marinade mixture onto the peameal bacon roast before placing it in the slow cooker. You can also brush it on halfway through cooking time and again during the last half-hour to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.
Another way to add some extra flavor is by slow-roasting the peameal bacon in liquid. This will result in a tender and juicy piece of meat that is perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish. To slow-roast the peameal bacon, place it in the slow cooker with some liquid like apple cider vinegar or chicken broth. Cook on low for about eight hours or until the meat is tender and falling apart.
Serving And Enjoying Your Peameal Bacon Roast
Now that your peameal bacon roast is cooked and sliced, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. There are many ways to serve peameal bacon, but here are a few suggestions:
1. Sandwiches: Peameal bacon is a popular choice for sandwiches. Toast some bread, add a slice or two of peameal bacon, and top it off with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, or mustard.
2. Breakfast: Peameal bacon makes a great addition to any breakfast plate. Fry up some eggs, toast some bread, and add a slice or two of peameal bacon to complete the meal.
3. Dinner: Peameal bacon is also a great choice for dinner. Serve it alongside some roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
No matter how you choose to serve your peameal bacon roast, make sure to enjoy it while it’s still warm. The slow cooking process ensures that the meat is tender and juicy, so savor every bite. And if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.