Savory Slow-Cooked Pork Loin with Sauerkraut and Root Vegetables
Indulge in this hearty and flavorful slow-cooked dish that combines succulent pork loin, tangy sauerkraut, and tender potatoes, all cooked to perfection in a crock pot. This one-dish meal is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, serving 4-6 people. The tender pork absorbs the rich flavors from the herbs and seasonings, while the sauerkraut adds a delightful tang that balances the dish beautifully. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy your time with loved ones without the stress of constant cooking.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork loin roast
3 lbs (boneless)
sauerkraut
1 lb
yellow onion
1 medium (sliced thin)
garlic cloves
4 (sliced thin)
potatoes
5 medium (quartered)
butter
1 tablespoon
olive oil
1 tablespoon
fennel seed
1/2 teaspoon
rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon
garlic flakes
1 tablespoon
hot sauce (BBQ Wild Dipping Sauce)
1 tablespoon
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon
Grey Poupon mustard
1 tablespoon
white wine or beer
1/4 cup (more if needed)
salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by heating a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
2
Generously season the pork roast with salt and pepper on all sides.
3
Add olive oil to the hot pan, then place the pork roast in it.
4
Brown the pork on all sides for about 10 minutes until it's golden and caramelized.
5
While the pork is browning, slice the onion and place it in the bottom of the crock pot.
6
Thinly slice the garlic and add it to the onions in the crock pot, followed by the fennel seed and rubbed sage.
7
Layer the sauerkraut on top of the onion and garlic mixture in the crock pot.
8
In a separate tea cup, mix together the garlic flakes, hot sauce, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and white wine (or beer). Set aside.
9
Once the pork is browned, carefully place it in the crock pot on top of the sauerkraut.
10
Using a small amount of leftover wine, add butter to the skillet and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Pour this mixture over the pork in the crock pot.
11
Quarter the potatoes and add them to the crock pot around the pork.
12
Sprinkle additional garlic flakes over all the ingredients in the crock pot, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
13
Pour the combined vinegar and hot sauce mixture evenly over everything in the crock pot.
14
Cook the dish on high heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, then reduce to low heat and continue cooking for an additional 6.5 to 7 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
15
Once done, serve hot and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Pork Loin with Sauerkraut and Root Vegetables?
It is a hearty one-dish meal that combines succulent pork loin, tangy sauerkraut, and tender potatoes cooked in a crock pot.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves between 4 to 6 people.
What cut of pork is used in this recipe?
A 3 lb boneless pork loin roast is required for this dish.
Do I need to brown the pork before slow cooking?
Yes, browning the pork for about 10 minutes in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot helps caramelize the meat and enhance flavor.
What type of onion should I use?
A medium yellow onion, sliced thin, is recommended.
What kind of potatoes work best?
The recipe calls for 5 medium potatoes, which should be quartered before being added to the slow cooker.
Can I use beer instead of wine?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of either white wine or beer for deglazing and flavoring the sauce.
How long does the dish need to cook?
The dish cooks on high for 1 to 1.5 hours, followed by 6.5 to 7 hours on low heat.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Start by heating a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat to prepare for browning the meat.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The recipe uses 4 garlic cloves that should be sliced thin, plus an additional tablespoon of garlic flakes.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The seasonings include fennel seed, rubbed sage, garlic flakes, salt, and pepper.
What type of mustard is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of Grey Poupon mustard.
What is the purpose of deglazing the pan?
Deglazing with butter and wine allows you to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pork to pour over the dish in the crock pot.
Where do the onions go in the slow cooker?
The sliced onions should be placed at the very bottom of the crock pot.
How much sauerkraut is needed?
You will need 1 lb of sauerkraut for this recipe.
What kind of hot sauce is suggested?
The recipe recommends BBQ Wild Dipping Sauce, but you can use your preferred hot sauce.
Should I season the pork roast before cooking?
Yes, you should generously season the pork roast with salt and pepper on all sides before browning it.
When do I add the potatoes?
The quartered potatoes are added to the crock pot around the pork after the meat has been placed on the sauerkraut.
What is the role of balsamic vinegar in this dish?
Balsamic vinegar is mixed with mustard and hot sauce to provide a tangy depth of flavor to the pork.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, with minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, it is designed to be a low-stress meal.
How do I know when the pork is finished cooking?
The pork is ready when it is fork-tender after the full cooking cycle on low heat.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a large cast-iron skillet for browning and a crock pot (slow cooker) for the main cooking process.
How much olive oil is used?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to brown the pork in the skillet.
Can I add extra garlic flakes?
The recipe suggests sprinkling additional garlic flakes over all ingredients in the crock pot to taste.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The finished dish features succulent, tender meat combined with soft potatoes and a flavorful, tangy sauce.
Is this a good meal for family gatherings?
Yes, its hearty nature and ease of serving make it perfect for families or cozy dinners.
What is the amount of fennel seed required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seed.
Do I need to mix the vinegar and mustard separately?
Yes, mix the garlic flakes, hot sauce, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and wine in a separate cup before pouring over the roast.
Can I use more wine for the deglazing process?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup but notes you can use more if needed to properly deglaze the skillet.
Is the sauerkraut cooked separately?
No, the sauerkraut is layered directly into the crock pot and cooks along with the pork and vegetables.