Now, let me tell ya, if you ain’t tried pork with sauerkraut and apples in a slow cooker, you’re missin’ out, dear. This here recipe’s simple as pie, and it’ll fill your belly right up with comfort. Don’t worry, I ain’t gonna make it all fancy like them cookbooks. We’re gonna keep it real and easy, just like folks back home used to make it. So, grab that slow cooker, and let’s get cookin’!
First things first, you take your pork roast—now I usually go for a pork loin, but you can use what you got, just make sure it’s a nice cut of meat. Don’t be usin’ no tough stuff if you can help it. You just plop it right in the slow cooker. No need to sear it or anything fancy like that, though some folks do, but that’s up to you. I just like to throw it in there, nice and simple.
Now, here’s where the magic happens—sauerkraut! You need about a jar of it. Don’t be shy with it. Get that sauerkraut in there good. It’s got that sour tang, and it’s gonna make everything taste so darn good, you won’t believe it. Mix it around with some chopped onions—about one or two should do, just enough to add some flavor without making it too onion-y.
But we ain’t done yet! Next, you’re gonna take some apples. Yep, apples! Don’t ask me how or why it works, but apples and pork get along like peas and carrots. You just slice ’em up—no need to be fancy. Throw them in with the sauerkraut and onions. The sweet from the apples and the tang from the sauerkraut just mix so well, I tell ya. It’s like a little party in that slow cooker!
Then, you gotta add a little sweetness. Now, this ain’t in every recipe, but I like to add a bit of maple syrup. Not too much, mind you, just a couple spoonfuls to balance out that sourness. Some folks use brown sugar, but I like the maple. Gives it that warm, homey flavor. You can also throw in a pinch of salt and pepper, but don’t go overboard. Remember, simple is best.
Now that everything’s in there, pour in a little bit of liquid. You don’t need to cover the pork with liquid, just add enough so it can cook. I usually use some chicken broth or even water if I’m low on broth. It’s gotta be enough to create some steam, but don’t go drowning the meat. The pork will release its juices as it cooks, and that’s gonna help make everything tender and juicy.
Once you’ve got it all together, turn that slow cooker on. If you’ve got time, set it on low and let it cook for about 6 to 8 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender that pork’s gonna get. But if you’re in a rush, you can turn it on high for about 4 hours. Either way, it’s gonna taste mighty fine.
When it’s done, take the lid off, and oh my, that smell will fill up your house like a big ol’ hug. You can shred the pork right in the slow cooker if you like it that way, or just slice it up—whatever you fancy. You’ll notice the pork is fall-apart tender, and the apples and sauerkraut will have worked their magic, making a delicious sweet-sour combo.
Serve it up with some mashed potatoes, or if you’re feelin’ a bit lazy, just eat it right outta the pot. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but it goes mighty fine with a piece of bread to soak up all that tasty juice.
Now, I reckon you’re wonderin’ why we put sauerkraut and pork together in the first place. Well, let me tell ya, it’s not just ’cause it tastes good, though it does. There’s a tradition in some parts of the country, especially the Pennsylvania Dutch folks, that say eatin’ pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day brings good luck. So, maybe you wanna try this on New Year’s Day too—get yourself some good luck for the year ahead!
So there ya go, a simple, tasty meal that’ll make your belly happy. And you know what they say—food made with love always tastes the best. Now, don’t be afraid to give this a try. You ain’t gotta be no chef to cook this up. Just follow along, and you’ll have a dish that’s hearty and filling, perfect for a chilly day or a big family meal.
Tags：[slow cooker, pork, sauerkraut, apples, easy recipes, pork and sauerkraut, Pennsylvania Dutch, comfort food, crockpot recipes, hearty meal]
