Gradual Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut

For those who’re on the lookout for a easy however deeply flavorful vacation meal, Pork and Sauerkraut within the gradual cooker is the reply. That is a kind of recipes that’s excellent for particular events due to how superb the outcomes are with minimal effort.

This 6-Level major is straightforward and hands-free, but the feel is so divine. We make some wholesome swaps to maintain factors down and the components are easy and accessible. It’s considered one of our favourite Weight Watchers dinner recipes!

Why do you have to attempt Pork and Sauerkraut within the Gradual Cooker?

• Simple Prep, Palms-Free Cooking: One of the best of this Pork and Sauerkraut recipe is its simplicity. When you’ve layered the components in your gradual cooker, it’s hands-off for six to eight hours, leaving you free to sort out different vacation duties. This recipe shines at Thanksgiving or Christmas, particularly because it’s adaptable for a bigger pork roast or a number of smaller pork loins. Whereas this cooks, you possibly can prep sides or embellish for visitors, making it an ideal stress-free major course.
• Good Gradual-Cooked Texture: Cooking pork within the gradual cooker retains it juicy and tender with out drying it out. The low-and-slow methodology caramelizes the pork’s exterior for a roasted, golden end whereas protecting the within juicy. That wealthy taste and texture give this dish a particular high quality, as for those who’d slow-roasted it within the oven for hours.
• Weight Watchers Pleasant: Whereas pork does have a couple of extra Weight Watchers factors than, say, rooster breast, it’s positively a worthwhile deal with, and a small portion is just round 5 factors. This recipe is good for vacation meals if you’re on the lookout for one thing hearty, filling, and a little bit extra particular.
• Traditional Vacation Taste: Pork and sauerkraut is a basic consolation dish that’s particularly fashionable through the colder months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Prepare dinner Time: 6-8 hours on low

Servings: 6

Serving Measurement: About 1 1/2 cups (roughly 300 g)

6 WW Factors Per Serving. You possibly can view the recipe on the WW App right here. (WW login required.) 

Components

• 1 1/2 kilos pork loin (about 680 g)
• 2 cups yellow apple, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 2 massive apples or 300 g)
• 1 cup apple juice (240 ml)
• 4 cups sauerkraut, drained (450 g)
• 2 envelopes Splenda (or your most well-liked sweetener)
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (30 ml)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to style

Directions

1. Put together the Pork: Start by trimming any extra fats from the pork loin, as it will assist hold the ultimate dish lean and scale back any undesirable greasiness. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper on all sides, urgent the seasonings in to make sure the flavour penetrates the meat throughout cooking.
2. Layer the Sauerkraut: Within the backside of your gradual cooker, add the drained sauerkraut, spreading it out evenly to create a mattress for the pork. 
3. Add Apple and Sweetener: Organize the apple slices on prime of the sauerkraut. Sprinkle the Splenda evenly over the apples to barely offset the sauerkraut’s acidity, balancing candy and tangy.
4. Add the Pork and Seasonings: Place the seasoned pork loin on prime of the sauerkraut and apples. Nestle the bay leaves across the pork for a lightweight natural notice, then sprinkle the thyme over every little thing. 
5. Pour in Apple Juice and Vinegar: Pour the apple juice and vinegar over the pork. Combine gently with a spoon, although the juices will mix naturally throughout cooking.
6. Set the Gradual Cooker: Cowl the gradual cooker with its lid, set it to low, and let every little thing prepare dinner for 6-8 hours.
7. Remaining Touches and Serving: As soon as the pork has cooked totally (it’s best to be capable to simply shred it with a fork), verify the seasoning and modify if wanted. Take away the bay leaves earlier than serving.
8. Serve and Take pleasure in: Slice or shred the pork as desired, and serve alongside the sauerkraut and apple combination.

Variations and Substitutions for Pork and Sauerkraut

• Selecting Your Pork Minimize: Pork tenderloin or trimmed pork loin are superb right here, as they’re lean and prepare dinner evenly. In order for you one thing extra strong, a boneless pork shoulder also can work nicely. For a lower-point choice, you should definitely trim any seen fats.
• Fruits and Juices: Apple is a basic pairing with sauerkraut, however you possibly can combine it up through the use of peach slices with peach juice. Or, for those who like a citrusy kick, oranges and contemporary orange juice add an acidic notice that pairs nicely with the tang of sauerkraut.
• Spice It Up: This recipe is flexible with spices. Rosemary, thyme, or herbes de Provence add a aromatic contact that enhances the pork’s pure flavors. You can even add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a delicate smoky notice or perhaps a pinch of crushed pink pepper for warmth in case your visitors get pleasure from a little bit spice.

Ideas and Tips for making Pork and Sauerkraut within the Gradual Cooker

• Trim the Fats: Step one is to take away as a lot seen fats from the pork as doable. This retains the dish gentle.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and spices—pork advantages from a beneficiant dose of seasoning, because it permits the flavors to penetrate totally through the gradual cooking course of. The sauerkraut additionally mellows out because it cooks, so be happy so as to add extra spices than you would possibly usually use.
• Use contemporary components when doable: Contemporary apples and pure, unsweetened apple juice add a greater taste than their processed counterparts. If contemporary juice isn’t obtainable, ensure any canned or bottled options are free from added sugars.
• Layer thoughtfully: Begin with a beneficiant layer of sauerkraut on the backside of the gradual cooker; this creates a basis that permits the pork to prepare dinner evenly. Place the pork on prime and pour the apple juice over every little thing to let the liquid steam up by means of the pork, including taste all through.
• Low and gradual: Gradual cooking for at the very least 6 hours brings out the most effective taste and texture. You possibly can even prepare dinner on low for as much as 8 hours for those who’re utilizing a bigger minimize of pork or desire a melt-in-your-mouth texture.