The combination of pork and sauerkraut is a tradition among many cultures. It’s most associated with the Germanic, Polish and Slavic populance of Eastern Europe. That’s one reason why it is very popular in our region of northeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. The pairing is one my favorites, too.
I was introduced to the combo at an early age. My mom every once in a while would cook baby back ribs and sauerkraut together in a big roaster and serve them with mashed potatoes. To this day, we still have that on Christmas Eve.
The pair is going to be starring in a meal in our home soon. We recently purchased a half-pig from a co-worker’s cousin, and my friend, Darrel Koehler, has a couple of crocks of homemade sauerkraut fermenting in his basement, which he will be sharing with us.
One of the first meals I’m planning will be the following skillet dish in which pork chops, sauerkraut and potatoes are cooked together, seasoned only with salt, pepper and some parsley flakes.
Pork Chops with Sauerkraut and Potatoes
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
4 bone-in pork loin chops, thin cut (about 1 pound)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound small red potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch wedges
1 1-pound can sauerkraut, drained
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat. Sprinkle pork with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper; cook pork in oil 5 to 8 minutes, turning once, until brown. Remove pork from skillet; cover to keep warm.
In same skillet, heat remaining tablespoon oil. Sprinkle potatoes with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook potatoes in oil 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just starting to brown. Add pork. Stir in sauerkraut and parsley.
Cover; cook 7 to 10 minutes or until pork is no longer pink in center and potatoes are tender. Serve pork over sauerkraut.
Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 340 calories, 16 grams fat (4 grams saturated, no trans), 70 milligrams cholesterol, 1,300 milligrams sodium, 24 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams dietary fiber, 1 gram sugars, 27 grams protein.