Savory Slow-Cooked Pork and Sauerkraut Delight
This flavorful Savory Slow-Cooked Pork and Sauerkraut Delight is the perfect dish to prepare ahead for a hassle-free New Year's Day feast. Just pop it into the crock pot on New Year's Eve, and when you return home, a mouthwatering roast awaits you, ready to be served over creamy mashed potatoes. The combination of tender pork, tangy sauerkraut, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar creates a deliciously balanced meal that everyone will love. It’s not just a meal; it's a cherished tradition shared through generations, as remembered by the families who enjoyed it together after celebrating the New Year.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Roast
2 lbs (None)
Sauerkraut
27 ounces (Rinsed and drained)
Dry Onion Soup Mix
1.25 ounces (None)
Water
2 cups (None)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the pork roast at the bottom of the crock pot, ensuring it's well-centered.
2
Next, evenly spread the rinsed and drained sauerkraut over the pork roast, allowing the savory juices to seep into the meat.
3
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top of the sauerkraut and pork, followed by the brown sugar, which adds a delightful sweetness to the dish.
4
Carefully pour the water over all the ingredients, ensuring everything is moistened and ready for cooking.
5
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours, allowing the rich flavors to meld and the pork to become incredibly tender.
6
Once cooked, shred or slice the pork roast as desired and serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Pork and Sauerkraut Delight?
It is a traditional slow-cooker meal featuring tender pork roast, tangy sauerkraut, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, often served on New Year's Day.
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
A 2 lb pork roast, such as a shoulder or butt roast, is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes incredibly tender over eight hours.
How long does the pork need to cook in the crock pot?
The recipe recommends cooking the roast on the low setting for 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to soften.
Do I need to rinse the sauerkraut?
Yes, the instructions specify rinsing and draining the sauerkraut before adding it to the crock pot to balance the salt and tang.
Why is brown sugar added to the recipe?
Brown sugar provides a delightful sweetness that balances the acidity of the sauerkraut and the savory notes of the onion soup mix.
What is the purpose of the dry onion soup mix?
The dry onion soup mix acts as a concentrated seasoning, providing savory onion flavor and salt to the pork and kraut.
Is this a traditional New Year's dish?
Yes, pork and sauerkraut is a cherished tradition for many families to enjoy after celebrating New Year's Eve.
How much water should I add to the crock pot?
You should add 2 cups of water to ensure the ingredients remain moist and create a savory juice during the cooking process.
Should I stir the ingredients after adding them?
The instructions suggest layering the ingredients and pouring water over them; stirring is not required before covering with the lid.
What is the recommended way to serve this dish?
It is best served over fluffy mashed potatoes, which pair perfectly with the tender pork and savory juices.
Can I use a pork tenderloin instead of a roast?
While a roast is preferred for its fat content and tenderness, a tenderloin can be used, though it may cook faster and be leaner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe is very simple, requiring only five main ingredients: pork roast, sauerkraut, dry onion soup mix, water, and brown sugar.
What size container of sauerkraut is needed?
You will need a 27-ounce container of sauerkraut for this specific recipe.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is a very easy 'set it and forget it' meal that requires minimal preparation before letting the crock pot do the work.
Can I cook this on high for a shorter time?
The recipe suggests 8 hours on low for the best results, but you could typically cook it on high for about 4 to 5 hours.
How do I know when the pork is ready?
The pork is ready when it is tender enough to be easily shredded or sliced as desired after its 8-hour cook time.
Can I add other vegetables to the crock pot?
While the tradition is to serve it over mashed potatoes, you could add carrots or potatoes directly to the pot if you prefer.
How should I store leftover pork and sauerkraut?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked meal?
Yes, once cooled, the pork and sauerkraut can be frozen in freezer-safe bags or containers for future meals.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
You can reheat the dish on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Does the sauerkraut remain crunchy?
After 8 hours of slow cooking, the sauerkraut becomes soft and tender, having absorbed the savory juices from the pork.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
While brown sugar is recommended for its molasses flavor, you could use honey or white sugar as a substitute.
Is this recipe high in sodium?
Sauerkraut and onion soup mix contain sodium; rinsing the kraut and using low-sodium soup mix can help reduce the salt content.
Do I need to add extra salt and pepper?
The onion soup mix and sauerkraut are generally salty enough, so additional salt is usually not necessary.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if you have a large enough slow cooker to accommodate the extra volume.
What makes this a 'delight'?
The combination of the tangy kraut, savory onion seasoning, and sweet sugar creates a balanced and comforting flavor profile.
Can I use homemade sauerkraut?
Absolutely, homemade sauerkraut works well, just ensure it is rinsed and drained as the instructions suggest.
Should I slice or shred the pork?
You can do either; some prefer thick slices, while others enjoy the pork shredded and mixed directly into the sauerkraut.
Why is water added if the sauerkraut has juices?
The recipe calls for rinsing the kraut, which removes its natural brine, so 2 cups of water are added to provide the necessary cooking liquid.
What size crock pot is recommended?
A standard 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for this amount of pork roast and sauerkraut.