new year’s pork and sauerkraut recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best new year’s pork and sauerkraut recipe

This new year’s pork and sauerkraut recipe is a traditional dish that has been passed down through generations. It’s a staple in many European countries, particularly in Germany and Austria, where it’s known as ‘Schweinshaxe mit Sauerkraut.’ The dish is typically made with a pork shoulder or butt, which is slow-cooked in a mixture of sauerkraut, caraway seeds, and spices.

The result is a tender and flavorful meat that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. I love this recipe because it’s easy to make and requires minimal preparation time. My family enjoys it because it’s hearty and satisfying.

This recipe is also a great way to get more fiber and vitamins from the sauerkraut. To make it even healthier, I like to use leaner cuts of pork and reduce the amount of fat used in the cooking process. Overall, this new year’s pork and sauerkraut recipe is a classic dish that never goes out of style.

It’s perfect for family gatherings or holiday meals. I always make sure to have the ingredients on hand so I can whip it up at a moment’s notice. The smell of sauerkraut cooking in the oven is amazing and always gets everyone excited.

My kids love helping me prepare the dish, especially when we get to eat the crispy caraway seeds on top. We like to serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

New Year's Pork and Sauerkraut

New Year’s Pork and Sauerkraut

4.9 from 1918 votes

A traditional dish for good luck and prosperity in the new year. Tender pork shoulder is slow-cooked with tangy sauerkraut and aromatic spices until meltingly tender.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp caraway seeds
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt

For the Sauerkraut

32 oz sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine or apple juice
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp brown sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Brown the pork chunks in batches, turning occasionally, until deeply golden on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes per batch.
3Transfer browned pork to a plate and set aside.
4Reduce heat to medium and add diced onion to the pot.
5Cook, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
6Add minced garlic, caraway seeds, black pepper, and salt, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7Return the browned pork to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
8Add the drained sauerkraut, chicken broth, white wine or apple juice, bay leaves, and brown sugar.
9Stir well to combine all ingredients.
10Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low.
11Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
12Remove the bay leaves and discard.
13Taste the sauerkraut and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
14Serve hot, spooned over mashed potatoes or alongside crusty bread.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with lid
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

For a milder flavor, rinse the sauerkraut thoroughly before using. The dish tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How New Year’s Pork and Sauerkraut Works

I always make sure to store any leftover pork and sauerkraut in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it by placing it back in the oven or using a microwave-safe container.

One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. My family also loves when I serve it with some roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts for added color and nutrients.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About New Year’s Pork and Sauerkraut

Q: What is sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage that has been finely chopped and seasoned with salt, caraway seeds, and other spices.

Q: Can I use fresh cabbage instead of sauerkraut?

No, you should use sauerkraut specifically for this recipe as it has been fermented to create its unique flavor and texture.

Q: How long does it take to cook the pork?

The cooking time will depend on the size of your pork shoulder or butt, but typically it takes around 2-3 hours to cook until tender.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains pork and is not suitable for vegetarians.

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