Slow-Simmered Apple and Sauerkraut Stew with Smoked Pork

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rustic stew blending tart apples, tangy sauerkraut, and smoky pork for a deeply comforting meal. This german-inspired soups ready in about 140 minutes pairs smoked pork shoulder, tart apples, sauerkraut for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 German cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1.5 lb smoked pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 peeled and diced tart apples, 1 cup drained sauerkraut, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp caraway seeds, and 1 bay leaf. Return the browned pork to the pot.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 hours until pork is tender and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Apple and Sauerkraut Stew with Smoked Pork take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Apple and Sauerkraut Stew with Smoked Pork?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Apple and Sauerkraut Stew with Smoked Pork?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Simmered Apple and Sauerkraut Stew with Smoked Pork for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Simmered Apple and Sauerkraut Stew with Smoked Pork?

German soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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