This Slow Cooker Pork and Kraut recipe is comfort food at its finest and is an easy, no mess meal.
The addition of apple and bay leaves creates an outstanding balance of flavors and aroma that will make you swoon with anticipation. Although it is traditionally served on New Year’s Day, don’t overlook this delicious recipe year-round.
Serve with FfL’s Herbed Mashed Potatoes and applesauce, and you’ll be first in line for seconds.
Why eat pork and kraut on New Year’s Day?
Legend has it that pork is a sign of well-being, nourishment, progression and good luck. In addition, many say that “a pig roots forward, unlike chickens who scratch back.” It’s an old Pennsylvania Dutch tradition that we’ve grown up with in celebration of the New Year.
You may think the backstory is silly, but what better reason to enjoy a heaping plate of pork and sauerkraut after a joyful holiday season to help bring in the New Year?! So, whether you’re superstitious and looking to kick the new year off right, or just a believer in one GREAT slow cooker dish, this one’s for you!
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Slow Cooker Pork and Kraut
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Course: , -
Prep Time: 5 minutes - Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
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Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Pork and Kraut recipe is comfort food at its finest and is an easy, no mess meal. The addition of apple and bay leaves creates an outstanding balance of flavors and aroma that will make you swoon with anticipation. Although it is traditionally served on New Year’s Day, don’t overlook this delicious recipe year-round.
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 pounds pork or pork loin roast
- 1 large apple
- 3 (1 pound) bags sauerkraut with liquid (cabbage, water, sea salt)
- 2 dried bay leaves
- Himalayan pink salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Trim excess fat off of pork. If necessary, cut pork loin to fit in the slow cooker.
- Cut apple into cubes, disposing of the core.
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. If you make a roast rather than pork chops, the internal temperature of the roast should be at least 145 degrees.
- Prep mashed potatoes (linked in notes below) or any other side dishes while pork is cooking. Enjoy!
- Depending on your mood and preferences, you can add a tablespoon of spicy brown or Dijon mustard, a can of your favorite beer or 1/2 cup of dry white wine. These all add some additional flavor. We typically take the more traditional route and keep our pork and sauerkraut to the basics, but there’s nothing wrong with getting a little creative.
Notes
We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
Recommended side dishes:
Unsweetened applesauce
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
Keywords: Slow Cooker Pork, Kraut
Category :Recipes
Method :Slow Cooker, Too Easy
