Crock Pot Country Ribs With Apples and Sauerkraut
Introduction
Welcome to Love With Recipes, where we bring you delightful dishes to warm your heart and home. Today, we’re excited to share a mouth-watering recipe for Crock Pot Country Ribs with Apples and Sauerkraut. This dish combines tender pork ribs, tangy sauerkraut, sweet apples, and a touch of brown sugar to create a comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you can enjoy a delicious and hearty dinner with ease. 🍏🍖
Ingredients
To make this delectable Crock Pot Country Ribs with Apples and Sauerkraut, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 pounds sauerkraut, drained
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushroom stems and pieces, drained
- 1 large apple, cored and cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 4-6 country-style pork ribs (about 3 pounds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Nutritional Information
This recipe is designed to serve 6, and each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 829.4 kcal
- Fat: 57.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 20.9 g
- Cholesterol: 208.5 mg
- Sodium: 810.1 mg
- Carbohydrates: 21.1 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 15.5 g
- Protein: 54.8 g
Preparation and Cook Times
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 9 hours | 9 hours 15 minutes |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to prepare your Crock Pot Country Ribs with Apples and Sauerkraut:
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Brown the Ribs: Start by browning the country-style pork ribs. You can do this directly in your slow cooker pot if it is stovetop-safe, or use a skillet over medium heat. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor to the ribs. 🍖
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Season the Ribs: While the ribs are browning, season them generously with salt and pepper. This enhances the natural flavors of the pork.
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Transfer to Slow Cooker: Once the ribs are nicely browned, transfer them to the slow cooker pot if you used a skillet for browning.
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Layer the Ingredients: Now it’s time to build the layers of flavor. Start by spreading the drained sauerkraut evenly over the ribs. Next, add the thinly sliced onion, followed by the mushroom stems and pieces. Arrange the apple wedges on top of the mushrooms.
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Add Sweetness and Spice: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the layered ingredients. This will add a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the tanginess of the sauerkraut. Finally, sprinkle the celery seed over the top for a hint of spice.
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Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 7 to 9 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can also cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is to cook the ribs until they are incredibly tender and flavorful. 🕰️
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time is complete, your Crock Pot Country Ribs with Apples and Sauerkraut are ready to be enjoyed. Serve the ribs with the sauerkraut and apple mixture on the side, and savor the delightful combination of flavors. 🌟
Tips and Tricks
- Browning the Ribs: Don’t skip the step of browning the ribs, as it adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish. If you have an oven-safe slow cooker insert, you can brown the ribs directly in the insert to save on cleanup.
- Choosing Sauerkraut: For the best results, use a high-quality sauerkraut. If you have time, you can also rinse the sauerkraut to reduce its saltiness before draining it.
- Apple Varieties: Choose a firm apple variety, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which will hold its shape well during the slow cooking process.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to add an extra tablespoon or two of brown sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that complements the rich flavors of the ribs and sauerkraut.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from the slow cooker.
- Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans add a fresh and vibrant element to the meal.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Country Ribs with Apples and Sauerkraut is a delightful dish that brings together savory and sweet flavors in a comforting, slow-cooked meal. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or a cozy weekend dinner, allowing you to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this dish as much as we do at Love With Recipes. Happy cooking! 🍏🍖🍽️
