Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 pound fresh sauerkraut, drained and rinsed (or 1 can/jar sauerkraut)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker setting on low) or 3-4 hours on high

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty, requires precise seasoning and slow cooking)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except caraway seeds.
2. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and fully cooked.
3. About an hour before serving, add caraway seeds if using.
4. Stir well and season with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on average values, may vary depending on specific ingredients used)

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (8 servings total)
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 25-35g
• Protein: 30-40g

Dish Characteristics:

• Traditional American-style slow-cooked dish with a European influence from the sauerkraut.
• The dish is hearty, rich in flavor, and provides a balance of acidity from the sauerkraut and sweetness from the brown sugar.
• The pork is tender and falls off the bone after being cooked for several hours in the slow cooker.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was a hit! The combination of flavors was perfect." - John Doe, New York
2. "My family loved the sauerkraut with the pork. It was a new and unique combination." - Jane Smith, Texas
3. "I made this for a potluck and everyone loved it. It was so easy to make in the slow cooker." - Bob Johnson, California

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use a good quality sauerkraut for best results. If using canned sauerkraut, rinse it well to remove excess vinegar.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Some people might prefer more or less salt or pepper.
• This dish pairs well with potatoes or other root vegetables cooked separately or in the slow cooker as well.