Smoked Pork and Sauerkraut (Crock Pot) Recipe 🍖🥬

Overview:

This Smoked Pork and Sauerkraut recipe is a hearty, flavorful meal-in-a-pot that’s perfect for cold winter days or anytime you’re craving a comforting German-inspired dish. Slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot, this meal combines tender smoked pork with tangy sauerkraut, aromatic spices, and a creamy sauce for a truly satisfying culinary experience. You can even add quartered potatoes to make it a complete meal in one dish! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to enjoy with your family and friends.

• Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
• Keywords: Pork, Meat, German, European, Winter, Weeknight, Oven
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours and 5 minutes
• Calories: 97.7 per serving
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 1 review)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sauerkraut
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups cold water
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
• 2 lbs smoked pork, sliced

Instructions:

1. Layer Ingredients in Crock Pot:

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   • Begin by placing the sliced onions in the crock pot.
   • Next, arrange the sliced smoked pork on top of the onions.

2. Prepare Sauerkraut Mixture:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the drained sauerkraut, diced tomatoes (undrained), bay leaf, paprika, caraway seeds, and black pepper.
   • Pour the sauerkraut mixture evenly over the smoked pork in the crock pot.

3. Slow Cook:

   • Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on LOW heat setting for 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.

4. Remove Pork and Bay Leaf:

   • Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the bay leaf from the sauerkraut mixture.
   • Transfer the smoked pork slices to a serving platter and cover them to keep warm.

5. Skim Fat and Thicken Sauce:

   • Use a spoon to skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauerkraut mixture in the crock pot.
   • Transfer the sauerkraut mixture to a large saucepan.
   • In a separate bowl, mix the cold water and cornstarch until well combined. Then, stir this mixture into the sauerkraut mixture.
   • Heat the sauerkraut mixture on the stove until it thickens and becomes bubbly, creating a delicious sauce.

6. Add Sour Cream (Optional):

   • For an extra creamy touch, stir in the optional sour cream to the thickened sauerkraut mixture. This adds a rich and tangy flavor to the dish.

7. Serve:

   • To serve, place the sliced smoked pork on plates and spoon the sauerkraut mixture over the top.
   • Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, if desired, and serve hot.

8. Oven Cooking Option:

   • If you prefer, you can also prepare this dish in the oven using an oven-proof covered casserole dish.
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Place all the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover tightly, and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the pork is tender and the flavors are well blended.

Serving Suggestions:

This Smoked Pork and Sauerkraut dish pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or boiled potatoes. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. Don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of your favorite beer or wine to complement the rich flavors of this comforting dish!

Tips and Variations:

• For extra flavor, you can brown the smoked pork slices in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot.
• Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the crock pot for added nutrition and flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch used or simmer the sauce for a few additional minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stove for a quick and easy meal.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of this Smoked Pork and Sauerkraut recipe, perfect for warming up on chilly winter nights or anytime you’re craving a taste of traditional German cuisine! 🍽️🔥