Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Sauerkraut is a hearty comfort food that combines the savory flavor of pork with the tangy zest of sauerkraut. This dish has its roots in German cuisine, where pork and sauerkraut are often paired together for their complementary flavors and are believed to bring good luck when eaten on New Year's Day. The addition of baby potatoes rounds out the meal, providing a creamy texture that soaks up the delicious juices. Cooking this meal in a slow cooker allows for a hands-off approach and gives the ingredients ample time to simmer together, resulting in tender pork chops and flavorful veggies.
When serving Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Sauerkraut, simplicity is key. The dish is quite substantial and full of flavor, so it doesn't require elaborate sides. A fresh green salad or some steamed green beans can add a pop of color and a crisp texture to the meal. Good crusty bread is also wonderful for mopping up the juices. If you're looking to keep the meal within the German theme, consider a side of applesauce or some steamed red cabbage. A cold lager would be the perfect beverage to complement the rich flavors of this dish.
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Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Sauerkraut
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved if large
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 1 apple, cored and sliced (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved if large
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 1 apple, cored and sliced (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and brown them on both sides. Remove the pork chops and set them aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is softened and translucent.
4. Place the browned pork chops into the slow cooker, and top them with the cooked onion and garlic. Scatter the baby potatoes around the pork chops.
5. If using, add the sliced apple on top of the pork chops.
6. Spread the sauerkraut over the pork chops and potatoes, and sprinkle with caraway seeds if desired.
7. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the sauerkraut.
8. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked.
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9. Serve the pork chops with baby potatoes and sauerkraut, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your warm, comforting meal!