Marianne Martinez
Slow-cooked pork and sauerkraut is a tasty, tender, and juicy meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for a special occasion. The pork is flavoured with tangy sauerkraut, sweetened with apples, and can be served with mashed potatoes and a side of homemade applesauce. This dish is traditionally eaten on New Year's Day to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. It is also a delicious option for those following a gluten-free, paleo, or dairy-free diet. With minimal preparation required, this dish can be left to cook slowly for up to 10 hours, making it a convenient choice for a hands-off, hearty meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep time | Very little prep involved |
| Cook time | 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat |
| Ingredients | Pork, sauerkraut, apple, onion, garlic, potatoes, butter, salt, pepper, oil, water, apple juice, chicken stock, brown sugar |
| Nutrition | High protein, low carb; 25 grams of protein and 11 grams of carbohydrate per serving |
| Leftovers | Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months |
| Serving suggestions | Mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, green beans, asparagus, homemade applesauce, rolls |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the pork
To prep the pork for your slow pot, start by patting the pork roast dry with paper towels. Season the pork generously with seasoning salt and black pepper on all sides. If you don't have seasoning salt, you can use regular salt.
Next, heat some oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned pork in the pan and sear it for 2-3 minutes on each side until it is nicely browned. This step will add flavour and colour to your pork.
After searing, place the pork into your slow cooker. If you're using potatoes, add them now by arranging them around the pork. You can use whole baby potatoes or slice larger potatoes into wedges. Red, yellow, or baby potatoes work well as they hold their shape during the long cooking time.
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Making the sauerkraut mixture
To make the sauerkraut mixture, start by draining the sauerkraut from the juices it comes in. This will help control the sodium and tanginess of the dish. Next, prepare the apples. Some recipes suggest slicing the apples, while others recommend using applesauce. If you decide to slice the apples, you can place them on top of the pork, or add them to the sauerkraut mixture. You can also add apple juice to the slow cooker, which will keep the pork moist and add a touch of sweetness to the sauerkraut.
The next step is to prepare the onions. Slice one large yellow onion and add it to the slow cooker. You can also include some minced garlic. At this point, you can also add other ingredients like butter cubes, salt, pepper, caraway seeds, brown sugar, broth, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and thyme. Stir all these ingredients together with the sauerkraut to create a flavourful mixture.
If you're using potatoes, you can add them to the sauerkraut mixture as well. It's best to use waxy potatoes like red, baby, or yellow potatoes, as they hold their shape better during the long cooking time. Simply add the potatoes to the slow cooker and stir them into the sauerkraut mixture.
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Cooking the pork and sauerkraut
Slow cooker pork and sauerkraut is a tasty and affordable dish that is perfect for cooking and sharing with family and friends. The pork is tender and juicy, and the sauerkraut adds a tangy, briny flavour to the dish. The dish is also gluten-free, paleo, and dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
To make this delicious meal, start by seasoning a pork loin or pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper on all sides. You can also add other seasonings like cumin or caraway seeds for extra flavour. If you want to sear the pork, heat some oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven and cook the pork for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step is optional but adds a nice crust to the pork.
Next, place the pork in a slow cooker. If using potatoes, arrange them around the pork. You can use whole baby potatoes, mashed potatoes, or any variety of waxy potatoes such as red, yellow, or baby potatoes. Pour sauerkraut and its juice over the pork and potatoes, along with 1 cup of liquid such as water, apple juice, or chicken stock. You can also add other ingredients like butter cubes, garlic, mustard, soy sauce, or apple slices for extra flavour.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork is ready when it is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork. If you're using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes per pound of pork. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes before releasing any residual pressure.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it into large chunks using two forks. Remove any large pieces of fat, then stir the shredded pork back into the sauerkraut mixture. Serve the pork and sauerkraut with your choice of potatoes and enjoy!
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
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![Raw Organic Fermented Probiotic Sauerkraut, "Classic" Variety [Vegan, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Probiotic] 16oz Glass Jar by Wise Goat Organics](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51gQ86gJSSL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Raw Organic Fermented Probiotic Sauerkraut, "Purple Cabbage" Variety [Vegan, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Probiotic] 16oz Glass Jar by Wise Goat Organics](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51LBjZ2QW5L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked pork and sauerkraut is a delicious and hearty dish, perfect for a filling meal. This dish is often served with mashed potatoes and applesauce, but there are many other ways to serve it. Here are some serving suggestions to get you inspired:
Mashed Potatoes and Applesauce
The creamy mashed potatoes and tangy applesauce create a perfect balance of flavours and textures. This combination is a traditional favourite, especially for those seeking good luck in the New Year.
Roasted Baby Potatoes
For a twist on the traditional, try serving the pork and sauerkraut with roasted baby potatoes. The crispness of the potatoes complements the tender pork, and a garnish of fresh thyme adds a subtle aroma and flavour.
Rice
For those who want a change from potatoes, rice is a great option. It provides a neutral base that lets the flavours of the pork and sauerkraut shine through.
Green Vegetables
Adding a side of green vegetables provides a fresh contrast to the rich dish. Try roasted broccoli or cooked asparagus, or even green beans, for a healthy and tasty addition to the plate.
Salad
A fresh side salad can lighten up the meal and provide a crunchy texture contrast. Keep it simple with a classic garden salad, or add some fruit, nuts, or cheese for a more substantial salad course.
Rolls
Serving the pork and sauerkraut with rolls on the side lets your diners make their own mini sandwiches. This is a great option for a more casual gathering, and the rolls can also be used to mop up any extra sauce or gravy.
There are endless ways to serve slow-cooked pork and sauerkraut, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavours and combinations. Enjoy!
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Storing leftovers
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. It is recommended to add some of the cooking liquid to the container when freezing to help maintain moisture.
If you have a lot of leftovers, you may want to consider freezing them in batches so you can defrost only what you need at a time.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need pork loin or shoulder, sauerkraut, apple juice, apples, potatoes, butter, salt, pepper, garlic, and onion.
It takes 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat.
The temperature should be set to low or high, depending on how long you want to cook it. Aim for an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
