This recipe for pork chops with apples, sweet potatoes, and sauerkraut is a delectable combination of sweet, tart and savory flavors. It's a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for a chilly evening. The tangy sauerkraut complements the sweetness of the apples and sweet potatoes, while the pork chops add a rich, meaty flavor that ties everything together. The whole dish is slow-cooked to perfection, creating a meal that's as easy as it is delicious.
Most ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in a household pantry. However, sauerkraut may not be readily available in all homes. It's a type of fermented cabbage that lends a unique tangy flavor to the dish. You can usually find it in the canned goods or international foods section of your supermarket.
Ingredients for Pork Chops with Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and Sauerkraut
Pork chops: These are the star of the dish. They provide a savory, meaty flavor that balances the sweetness of the apples and sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a creamy texture and sweet flavor that contrasts nicely with the tartness of the sauerkraut and apples.
Onion: Onion adds a slight sharpness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Apples: Apples provide a sweet-tart flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Brown sugar: A little brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and sweet potatoes.
Ground nutmeg: Ground nutmeg adds a warm, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish.
Salt: Salt enhances the other flavors in the dish.
Black pepper: A little freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of heat.
Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the apples and sweet potatoes.
One reader, Damiano Warner says:
This pork chops with apples, sweet potatoes, and sauerkraut recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the pork is tender and juicy. The combination of sweet and savory is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and comforting meal.
Cooking Techniques for Pork Chops With Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and Sauerkraut
How to brown pork chops: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray. Quickly brown the pork chops on each side, then set aside.
How to arrange ingredients in the slow cooker: Arrange sweet potato slices in the bottom of a 3 to 4 quart slow cooker. Cover with the onion slices, then the apple slices. Sprinkle brown sugar, nutmeg, and salt over the apples, and grind a little pepper. Place the pork chops on top of the pile, and cover with sauerkraut.
How to cook in the slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for about 5 hours. It can go an extra hour without drying out though.
How to serve: Serve pork and vegetables with juice from the slow cooker spooned over them.
How To Make Pork Chops with Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and Sauerkraut
Apples, sauerkraut, and sweet potatoes bring some sweet and savory flavors to these slow-cooked pork chops, a great dinner dish that comes together easily.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4pork chops,(1 inch thick), boneless
- 2mediumsweet potatoes,peeled and sliced ½ inch thick
- 1mediumonion,sliced
- 2apples,peeled, cored and sliced
- 1tbspbrown sugar
- ½tspground nutmeg
- ¼tspsalt
- freshly ground black pepper,to taste
- 16ozsauerkraut,drained
Instructions
-
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray. Quickly brown the pork chops on each side. Set aside.
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Arrange sweet potato slices in the bottom of a 3 to 4 quart slow cooker. Cover with the onion slices, then the apple slices.
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Sprinkle brown sugar, nutmeg and salt over the apples, and grind a little pepper. Place the pork chops on top of the pile, and cover with sauerkraut.
-
Cover, and cook on Low for about 5 hours. It can go an extra hour without drying out though.
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Serve pork and vegetables with juice from the slow cooker spooned over them.
Nutrition
- Calories: 487.87kcal
- Fat: 18.49g
- Saturated Fat: 6.14g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.52g
- Carbohydrates: 36.38g
- Fiber: 8.33g
- Sugar: 17.57g
- Protein: 43.98g
- Cholesterol: 137.31mg
- Sodium: 1043.09mg
- Calcium: 112.22mg
- Potassium: 1255.81mg
- Iron: 3.66mg
- Vitamin A: 469.11µg
- Vitamin C: 24.46mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting This Pork Chop Recipe
To ensure your pork chops remain tender and juicy, avoid overcooking them. Pork can easily become tough if cooked for too long. Using a slow cooker, as in this recipe, is a great way to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Additionally, browning the pork chops before slow cooking can lock in the juices and give the meat a nice, caramelized flavor. Lastly, don't forget to spoon the juice from the slow cooker over the pork and vegetables when serving. This not only adds extra flavor but also keeps the meat moist.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Pork Chop Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a slow cooker: Utilize a slow cooker to cook the pork chops, sweet potatoes, and sauerkraut with minimal hands-on time.
One-pot meal: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook multiple components in one pot or slow cooker to minimize cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make extra portions and freeze them for future quick and easy meals.
Organize your kitchen: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily find ingredients and cooking tools, saving time during meal preparation.
Pre-cut ingredients: Purchase pre-cut vegetables and pre-trimmed meats to reduce prep time for recipes.
Follow the recipe: Read the entire recipe before starting to ensure you have all the ingredients and understand the steps, preventing any last-minute confusion.
Cook in bulk: Prepare larger quantities of food at once and portion it out for multiple meals throughout the week.
Clean as you go: Wash dishes and clean up spills while cooking to minimize the time spent on post-cooking cleanup.
Invest in time-saving tools: Use kitchen gadgets such as a food processor, slow cooker, or instant pot to expedite meal preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Pork Chops with Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and Sauerkraut Recipe
pork chops - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are a flavorful and juicy alternative to pork chops, and they work well with the other ingredients in the recipe.
sweet potatoes - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor to sweet potatoes and will complement the other flavors in the dish.
apples - Substitute with pears: Pears have a similar texture and sweetness to apples and will work well with the other ingredients in the recipe.
sauerkraut - Substitute with cabbage kimchi: Cabbage kimchi provides a similar tangy and fermented flavor to sauerkraut and will add a delicious kick to the dish.
Presenting Pork Chops With Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and Sauerkraut
Elevate the plating: Arrange the pork chops on a bed of thinly sliced sweet potatoes, topped with a layer of sauerkraut and caramelized apples for a visually stunning presentation.
Incorporate color contrast: Utilize the vibrant hues of the sweet potatoes and apples to create a visually appealing contrast against the rich, golden-brown pork chops.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or chives over the dish to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the overall presentation.
Create height and dimension: Stack the ingredients strategically to create a visually appealing and dynamic plate, showcasing the layers of flavors in the dish.
Use elegant serving platters: Present the dish on sophisticated, high-quality serving platters to enhance the overall dining experience and showcase the culinary artistry behind the recipe.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle a reduction of the cooking juices over the plated dish in an artistic manner, adding a touch of elegance and flavor complexity.
Consider the placement of each element: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring a balanced and visually appealing composition that highlights the individual flavors and textures.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering at low temperatures, allowing for convenient, slow cooking of various dishes.
- Cooking spray: A non-stick cooking spray used to prevent food from sticking to pans and dishes during cooking.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for slicing, chopping, and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A sturdy board used for cutting and preparing food items.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
- Measuring cups: Containers used for measuring dry and liquid ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading foods.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting food items.
- Lid: A cover for a pot, pan, or other cooking vessel, used to retain heat and moisture during cooking.
Storing and Freezing Pork Chops With Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and Sauerkraut
- Allow the pork chops, sweet potatoes, apples, and sauerkraut to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled dish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled pork chops and vegetables to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- If using a container, ensure it is airtight to prevent freezer burn.
- If using a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- To reheat, thaw the frozen pork chops and vegetables in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed contents to a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Note that the texture of the sweet potatoes and apples may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should remain delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Pork Chops With Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and Sauerkraut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pork chops, sweet potatoes, apples, and sauerkraut in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are heated through and the vegetables are tender.
For a quicker reheating method, use the microwave. Place the leftover pork chops and vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the pork chops from drying out. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the pork chops are heated through and the vegetables are warm.
If you have a bit more time, you can reheat the leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork chops, sweet potatoes, apples, and sauerkraut to the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops are heated through and the vegetables are warm.
For a crispy exterior on the reheated pork chops, you can use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pork chops in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the pork chops are heated through and crispy on the outside. Reheat the sweet potatoes, apples, and sauerkraut separately in the microwave or oven.
If you want to add a bit of extra flavor to the reheated leftovers, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or chicken broth to the dish before reheating. This will help to moisten the pork chops and vegetables and add a bit of extra flavor.
Interesting Trivia About Pork Chops, Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a traditional German dish made from fermented cabbage. It is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
Is Making Pork Chops With Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and Sauerkraut Cost-Effective?
This pork chops with apples, sweet potatoes, and sauerkraut recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are affordable and readily available, making it a budget-friendly option. The combination of pork, sweet potatoes, and apples offers a satisfying and nutritious meal. The estimated cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15-$20, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavors.
Is This Pork Chop Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This pork chop recipe with apples, sweet potatoes, and sauerkraut has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-dense ingredients like:
- Sweet potatoes: Rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants
- Apples: Provide fiber, vitamin C, and various beneficial plant compounds
- Sauerkraut: A fermented food that contains probiotics and vitamin K2
However, there are some concerns:
- Pork chops: Depending on the cut and preparation, they can be high in saturated fat and calories
- Brown sugar: Adds extra calories and simple carbohydrates to the dish
- Lack of green vegetables: The recipe could benefit from the addition of nutrient-rich greens
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Choose leaner cuts of pork, such as loin chops, and trim any visible fat
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Add a side of steamed or sautéed green vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, or spinach, to increase the nutrient density of the meal
- Use a smaller amount of sauerkraut or rinse it before adding to the dish to reduce the sodium content
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices, like rosemary or thyme, to enhance flavor without relying on salt or sugar
By making these adjustments, you can transform this comforting pork chop recipe into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your taste buds and provides a delightful combination of flavors.
The Editor's Opinion on This Pork Chop Recipe
This recipe for pork chops with apples, sweet potatoes, and sauerkraut is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. The sweetness of the apples and sweet potatoes balances the tanginess of the sauerkraut, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. The pork chops are perfectly cooked and tender, making this a satisfying and comforting meal. It's a great option for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
Enhance Your Pork Chops with Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and Sauerkraut Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Pork Chops with Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and Sauerkraut Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, creating a harmonious balance between savory and sweet. The succulent pork chops are complemented by the natural sweetness of apples and sweet potatoes, while the tangy sauerkraut adds a delightful zing. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, infusing the dish with rich, complex flavors. With the perfect blend of nutmeg and brown sugar, this dish promises to tantalize the taste buds and elevate any mealtime experience. Trust in the expertise of this recipe to deliver a memorable and satisfying dining experience.
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