How to Make Pork and Sauerkraut in a Crock Pot: A Comprehensive Guide with Tips and Variations

Pork and sauerkraut is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. It is made with tender pork shoulder that is braised in a flavorful sauerkraut broth. This dish is easy to make in a crock pot, and it is a great way to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

To make pork and sauerkraut in a crock pot, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 (3-4 pound) pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 (16 ounce) bag sauerkraut, drained
• 1 (12 ounce) bottle of beer
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds

Instructions

1. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned.
4. Place the pork shoulder in the crock pot.
5. Add the sauerkraut, beer, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, and caraway seeds to the crock pot.
6. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours.
7. Remove the pork shoulder from the crock pot and shred it with two forks.
8. Return the shredded pork to the crock pot and stir to combine.
9. Serve the pork and sauerkraut over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.

Tips

• For a more flavorful dish, use a dark beer, such as a stout or porter.
• If you don’t have beer, you can substitute chicken broth or water.
• You can also add other vegetables to the crock pot, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes.
• Serve the pork and sauerkraut with a side of applesauce or cranberry sauce.

Variations

There are many different ways to make pork and sauerkraut. Here are a few variations:

• Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Apples: Add 1 apple, peeled and chopped, to the crock pot along with the other ingredients.
• Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Potatoes: Add 1 pound of potatoes, peeled and cubed, to the crock pot along with the other ingredients.
• Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Sausage: Add 1 pound of sausage, browned, to the crock pot along with the other ingredients.
• Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut with Bacon: Add 1 pound of bacon, cooked and crumbled, to the crock pot along with the other ingredients.

Pork and sauerkraut is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a crowd. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that your family and friends will love.