Well now, if you’re lookin’ for somethin’ easy and tasty to make for dinner, I got just the thing for ya. This here pork chops and sauerkraut in a crock pot is about as simple as it gets. Don’t matter if you ain’t much of a cookin’ type, this one’s hard to mess up. You just throw a few things in the pot, set it, and forget it. By the time you’re done, you got yourself a meal that’s real tasty and full of flavor.
Now, you know how some folks say that pork and sauerkraut bring good luck? Well, they say the Germans been eatin’ it on New Year’s Day for years, and it’s become a tradition in many places. We ain’t got no New Year’s celebration comin’ up, but who needs an excuse for good food, right? You just throw together some pork chops and sauerkraut, and you got yourself a dish that’ll make you feel like you’re sittin’ at the table with family.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 pork chops (get ’em thick, so they stay juicy)
- 1 can of sauerkraut (or fresh if you like that better)
- 1 onion, sliced up
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (adds a nice little sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (maybe a pinch more, depends on your taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (just to spice it up a little)
- Some potatoes (if you want to fill up your belly good)
Now, here’s how you make it. Ain’t nothin’ to it.
Step 1: First, get your crockpot ready. You want to lay down some onions on the bottom. Don’t be shy with the onions; they give everything a nice flavor. Then, you toss in about half of the sauerkraut. Some folks like to rinse the sauerkraut first, but I just leave it as it is. That juice from the kraut is where all the good taste hides.
Step 2: Now, sprinkle some brown sugar right over that sauerkraut. It’s not much, but just enough to take away some of that tangy taste. After that, you toss in a little salt and pepper. Not too much, just enough to season it good.
Step 3: Lay your pork chops right on top. Don’t bother browning them or anything fancy like that. Just lay ’em right in there. You want them chops to soak up all the flavors while they cook. If you like, you can score the pork chops with a knife to help them cook better, but I don’t think it matters much. They’ll get soft and tender either way.
Step 4: If you want, throw in some sliced potatoes on top of the pork chops. You don’t have to do it, but I find they soak up all the tasty juices and make a meal out of it. They’re like a side dish right in the same pot!
Step 5: Put the lid on your crockpot, set it to low, and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. Don’t rush it! Low and slow is the way to go. The longer you let it cook, the more the pork chops will soak up that sauerkraut flavor. When it’s done, you’ll have pork chops that are so tender you can just cut ‘em with a fork, and the sauerkraut will have turned into a soft, tangy, savory side that goes perfect with the meat.
Step 6: When you’re ready to eat, just serve it up. Spoon that delicious sauerkraut over the pork chops, and make sure you get some of those potatoes if you put ’em in there. You’ll be so full, you’ll want to take a nap right after. But that’s a good thing!
This meal is perfect for any day you don’t feel like slavin’ over the stove. The crockpot does all the hard work for ya. And the best part? It’s a one-pot meal, so you won’t have a whole mess of dishes to clean up afterward. What more could a person ask for?
Pro Tip: If you’ve got a little extra time, you can brown the pork chops in a skillet before puttin’ them in the crockpot. It adds a bit more flavor to the chops, but honestly, it’s just as good without it. Just don’t skip the sauerkraut – that’s what makes the dish!
So there ya go, folks. A simple, easy recipe that’s full of flavor and sure to bring a little luck your way. Pork chops and sauerkraut in a crockpot – it’s comfort food at its best. I hope y’all give it a try next time you’re lookin’ for somethin’ to fill you up and put a smile on your face. Enjoy!
Tags:[pork chops, sauerkraut, crock pot, easy recipes, comfort food, slow cooker, pork recipes, New Year’s tradition, German food, one-pot meals]