Savory Pork and Sauerkraut

German Savory Pork and Sauerkraut Recipe - Ingredients and Directions

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Savory Pork and Sauerkraut is a classic dish that combines the richness of pork with the tanginess of sauerkraut. This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.

History

This recipe has its roots in Eastern European cuisine, where pork and sauerkraut are commonly paired together. The combination of tender pork and tangy sauerkraut creates a delicious and satisfying dish that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) boneless pork shoulder, cut into cubes
0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup sour cream
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 tsp caraway seeds
0.5 cup water
2 cups canned sauerkraut, drained
2 tsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp oil

How to prepare

Heat oil in a heavy skillet or dutch oven.
Cook onions until they become transparent, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
Add the meat and brown it on all sides.
Add paprika, salt, caraway seeds, water, sauerkraut, onions, and sugar, then bring it to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 1 hour or until the meat becomes tender, adding water if necessary.
Fold in sour cream, then heat it to serving temperature and serve it with hot noodles.

Variations

Add diced apples or apple cider for a touch of sweetness.
Use chicken or beef instead of pork for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped bacon for extra richness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the pork before adding the other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences, adding more paprika or caraway seeds if desired.

- Be sure to drain the sauerkraut well before adding it to the dish to prevent it from becoming too sour.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Savory Pork and Sauerkraut with hot noodles or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the pork before simmering it with the sauerkraut and other ingredients helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless chicken thighs or beef stew meat instead of pork in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Savory Pork and Sauerkraut can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Savory Pork and Sauerkraut with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Savory Pork and Sauerkraut contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Savory Pork and Sauerkraut contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Savory Pork and Sauerkraut contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Savory Pork and Sauerkraut contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Savory Pork and Sauerkraut is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Savory Pork and Sauerkraut is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Savory Pork and Sauerkraut is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was a cold winter evening, and I had just finished a long day of work at the local market. As I walked home, the smell of savory pork and sauerkraut wafted through the air, tantalizing my senses and drawing me towards a nearby house.

Curious, I followed the scent to the source and found myself outside the home of an elderly German woman named Frau Schmidt. She was standing in her kitchen, stirring a large pot of pork and sauerkraut, a gentle smile on her face as she hummed a tune to herself.

I stood at the doorway, watching Frau Schmidt work her magic in the kitchen, the steam rising from the pot and the rich aroma enveloping me in a comforting embrace. Unable to resist, I mustered up the courage to knock on her door and ask for the recipe.

Frau Schmidt welcomed me into her home with open arms, her face lighting up with joy at the prospect of sharing her beloved recipe with a curious stranger. As we sat at her kitchen table, she began to recount the story behind the dish, a tale of tradition and family passed down through generations.

She told me of how her grandmother had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl, showing her the importance of using fresh ingredients and cooking with love and care. Frau Schmidt's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she spoke of the memories she had shared with her loved ones around the dinner table, the savory pork and sauerkraut serving as a symbol of togetherness and unity.

I listened intently as Frau Schmidt shared her wisdom with me, taking mental notes of each step and ingredient required to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. She showed me how to season the pork with a blend of herbs and spices, how to brown it to perfection in a hot skillet, and how to layer it with tangy sauerkraut in a slow cooker to simmer for hours on end.

As the evening turned into night, Frau Schmidt and I bonded over our shared love of cooking and the joy it brought to our lives. She imparted her knowledge to me with patience and kindness, encouraging me to experiment and make the recipe my own.

When the savory pork and sauerkraut was finally ready to be served, Frau Schmidt and I sat down at her dining table, the steam rising from the steaming dish filling the room with a heavenly aroma. We savored each bite in silence, the flavors dancing on our tongues and warming our souls.

As I bid farewell to Frau Schmidt that night, I carried with me not only a full belly but also a heart filled with gratitude for her generosity and wisdom. The recipe for savory pork and sauerkraut had become more than just a dish to me—it was a symbol of tradition, love, and the power of food to bring people together.

Over the years, I have made Frau Schmidt's recipe countless times, each bite transporting me back to that fateful winter evening when I first discovered its magic. And as I pass it down to future generations, I do so with the hope that it will continue to bring joy and warmth to those who gather around the dinner table, just as it has for me.