Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Servings
4
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Calories
394 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
German
Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
Description
This recipe uses a pork loin or shoulder roast seasoned with salt and pepper, placed in a slow cooker surrounded by drained sauerkraut seasoned with brown sugar, salt, pepper, caraway seeds, and bay leaves. Sliced onions and apples are layered on top, with apple juice poured around the meat. Cooking on low or high heat for several hours yields tender pork that retains moisture and absorbs the sauerkraut's distinctive tartness and sweet notes from apples and brown sugar.
The pork becomes juicy and easy to slice, while the sauerkraut softens and balances acidity with the warming spices. The inclusion of caraway seeds adds an aromatic, slightly nutty backdrop, typical of German-style preparations. It is suitable for an effortless main course paired with mustard, potatoes, or bread to complete the meal.
Using a quality, German-style sauerkraut enhances authenticity, and resting the meat before serving helps retain juices. Adding sausage is optional to enrich flavors further.
Ingredients
- 2.2 lb pork roast loin or shoulder, 1 kg (Note 1)
- 1 sauerkraut Note 2, large can
- 1 onion about 3.5 oz/ 100 g, large
- 1 apple about 5.3 oz/ 150 g
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt or Kosher, fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
- 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
- 2 large bay leaves
- ½ cup apple juice 125 ml
Instructions
- Rub the meat generously with salt and ground black pepper. Place it in the slow cooker.
- Drain the sauerkraut, arrange it around the meat. Sprinkle it with brown sugar and add salt, pepper, caraway seeds, and bay leaves.
- Slice the onions and the apples. Arrange both on top of the meat.
- Pour the apple juice around the meat.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
- Rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use pork shoulder or loin; avoid tenderloin for best texture.
- German-style sauerkraut brands like Mildessa or Hengstenberg provide the best flavor.
- Adding thickly sliced kielbasa or cabanossi sausage can deepen the taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 394 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 394kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 57g | 114% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 157mg | 52% |
| Sodium | 718mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 1075mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 31IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 35mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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