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