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Hearty Pork and Sauerkraut Crockpot Nourish Bowl

pork and sauerkraut crockpot recipe - featured image

A comforting and nourishing slow-cooked pork shoulder with tangy sauerkraut served over grains, perfect for cozy meals and busy days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless), well-marbled
  • 24 oz sauerkraut, drained
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium apple, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup chicken broth or stock (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing, optional but recommended)
  • About 4 cups cooked grains (quinoa, farro, or brown rice) for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Season liberally with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Slice the onion, mince garlic, chop carrots, and dice the apple while searing the pork.
  4. Place sliced onions, carrots, apples, and minced garlic in the bottom of the crockpot. Spread the drained sauerkraut on top of the veggies.
  5. Place the seared pork shoulder on top of the sauerkraut layer.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and whole grain mustard. Pour evenly over the pork and sauerkraut.
  7. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  8. Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred using two forks. Return shredded pork to the crockpot and stir gently to combine with sauerkraut and juices.
  9. Prepare chosen grains according to package instructions while pork finishes cooking.
  10. Spoon cooked grains into bowls, top with pork and sauerkraut mixture, and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Searing the pork before slow cooking adds caramelization and locks in flavor but is optional. Rinse sauerkraut if too salty to balance flavors. Let pork rest before shredding for juicier meat. Adjust cooking time if using pork loin to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork shoulder, sauerkraut, crockpot, slow cooker, nourish bowl, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, gluten-free option