Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's practically effortless? Look no further than this incredibly delicious and easy pork roast and sauerkraut crock pot recipe! This recipe delivers a tender, juicy pork roast infused with the tangy, slightly sweet notes of sauerkraut. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a satisfying weekend dinner, or a simple yet impressive weeknight meal. Get ready to experience the magic of slow cooking with this unbelievably simple yet incredibly delicious dish! It's one of those best recipes that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder roast
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (26 ounce) jar sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prep the Pork: Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels. This helps it brown nicely. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, brown the pork roast on all sides over medium-high heat. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Remove the pork and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Layer in the Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Place the browned pork roast on top.
- Create the Braising Liquid: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, caraway seeds, and thyme. Pour this mixture over the pork roast in the slow cooker.
- Add Sauerkraut: Evenly distribute the drained sauerkraut around the pork roast.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Shred and Serve: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding with two forks. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauerkraut and cooking liquid. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't skip browning the pork: Browning the pork roast before adding it to the slow cooker helps to develop a richer flavor and a beautiful crust.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, or spices to suit your preferences. A dash of smoked paprika adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the pork is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 190°F (88°C).
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it later in the week.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Include diced carrots, potatoes, or apples for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use different vinegar: Experiment with other types of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This delicious pork roast and sauerkraut crock pot recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are easy to prepare. This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a delicious and satisfying meal for the whole family. Enjoy this homemade cooking masterpiece! It’s a recipe sure to become one of your go-to healthy meals and easy recipes.