Alright, let me tell you about this little kitchen adventure I had the other day. I was craving something hearty, you know, the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and warms you up from the inside out. So, I decided to make pork chops and sauerkraut in my trusty crock pot.
I started by gathering my ingredients. I picked up some nice, thick pork chops from the butcher – bone-in, because that’s where the flavor’s at. Then, of course, I grabbed a big jar of sauerkraut. You can’t have pork chops and sauerkraut without the sauerkraut, right?
Preparing the Pork Chops
Now, I’ve heard some folks say that pork chops can be a bit tricky to cook just right. They can dry out pretty easily if you’re not careful. But I’ve got a little trick up my sleeve that works like a charm. I like to give my pork chops a good soak in a simple brine before cooking them. I just whip up a quick mixture of water, salt, and a little bit of sugar, and let the chops sit in there for a few hours, or even overnight if I’ve got the time.
This brining thing, it’s like magic. It helps the meat hold onto its moisture, so even if you accidentally cook them a tad too long, they still come out juicy and tender. But if you’re in a hurry, no worries, just grab a meat tenderizer and give those chops a good pounding. It’ll break down some of the tough fibers and make them more tender.
Layering in the Crock Pot
Once the pork chops were ready, I rinsed the sauerkraut in a colander to get rid of some of the extra tanginess. Then came the fun part – layering everything in the crock pot. I started with a layer of sauerkraut on the bottom, then nestled the pork chops on top. You can add some sliced onions or apples, too, if you’re feeling fancy, but I kept it simple this time.
Cooking Low and Slow
With everything in the crock pot, I poured in a little bit of chicken broth – just enough to cover the bottom – and then popped the lid on. Now, here’s the key to this whole operation: low and slow. I set the crock pot to low heat and let it do its thing for about 6 to 8 hours. You could probably do it on high for a shorter amount of time, but I find that low and slow is the way to go for maximum tenderness and flavor.
The Delicious Result
- The pork chops were fall-off-the-bone tender.
- The sauerkraut had mellowed out and absorbed all the delicious porky flavors.
- The whole house smelled amazing while it was cooking.
- This meal was a hit with the whole family.
And that’s it! It’s a super simple, no-fuss kind of meal, but it’s so satisfying. The pork chops just melt in your mouth, and the sauerkraut adds this perfect tangy contrast. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I served it up with some mashed potatoes, and let me tell you, there wasn’t a single scrap left on anyone’s plate.
This was a reminder of how much I love my crock pot. I’ve been a crock pot enthusiast for years. This thing can do almost anything.
I’ve got some more recipes in the pipeline that I’m itching to share. Stay tuned, folks!
Original article by the Author:Wei,If you intend to republish this content, please attribute the source accordingly:https://www.jaynscott.com/best-pork-chops-and-sauerkraut-in-crock-pot-tips-and-tricks-for-tender-meat/