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How to Make Traditional German Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut

Traditional German Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut

Welcome to a culinary journey that takes you straight to the heart of Germany! Today, we are exploring one of the most beloved and traditional dishes of German cuisine – Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut.
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: German
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 522kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 lbs pork country ribs
  • 8 large carrots
  • 4 tbsp canola oil
  • 3 tsp allspice
  • 12 oz baby Bella mushrooms
  • 2 large sweet onions
  • 3 tsp kosher salt
  • 4 cups apple cider or juice
  • 4 tbsp brown sugar
  • 64 oz sauerkraut with caraway seeds
  • tsp pepper
  • tsp caraway seeds optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Rub the pork ribs with canola oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork ribs until they become golden on both sides (about 5 minutes per side), and then transfer them to a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the onions, mushrooms, and carrots, and cook until they become softened (about 5 minutes).
  • Step 5: Add apple cider or apple juice, allspice, salt, pepper, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  • Place the seared ribs in an oven-proof dish and top them with the cooked vegetables.
  • Pour sauerkraut over the dish, ensuring it evenly coats the ribs.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours or until the ribs are tender and easily pull away from the bone.
  • Optionally, sprinkle caraway seeds over the dish before serving.
  • Serve the dish hot, accompanied by mashed potatoes or rye bread for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • If you don’t have an oven-proof dish, you can transfer the seared pork ribs back to the skillet and cook everything together until the ribs are tender.
  • For a more intense flavor, try marinating the pork ribs overnight in apple cider or apple juice with spices and herbs of your choice.
  • For a heartier dish, add potatoes, kale, or other vegetables to the casserole.
  • To make a richer dish, try adding a bit of butter or cream to the sauerkraut before baking.
  • If you can’t find sauerkraut with caraway seeds, you could also use plain sauerkraut and add 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds
Keyword: Traditional German Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut