Video:Traditional German Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut

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Transcript:Traditional German Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut

Hi, I'm Heidi Dehncke-Fisher and welcome to About.com Food. Today we're going to make my father's recipe for Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut.

Pork Rib and Sauerkraut Origins

Both the Germans and the Pennsylvania Dutch eat this dish on New Year's Day believing that it brings good luck.

Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut Ingredients

To make a pan of pork ribs and sauerkraut (approximately six servings) you will need:

• 4 pounds of sauerkraut
• 1 1/2 onions, chopped
• 2 medium red-skin potatoes for the sauerkraut
• 7 pieces of bacon
• 2 large McIntosh apples
• garlic
• paprika
• pepper
• 2 pounds pork ribs, country style or the cut of your choice.

Prep the Ingredients

As you begin to prepare your sauerkraut, you can also cook your bacon and potatoes at the same time. I rinse the sauerkraut to get rid of some of the salt and reduce the sourness. Make sure to squeeze the water and juice out – though you can control the flavor by how much you leave in.

You can either mash or grate the potatoes which are then added into the sauerkraut. Add the chopped apple and the onion and bacon and then your spices – paprika, pepper, and garlic.

Prepare the Pork Ribs

Begin to prepare your ribs by rinsing them. Layer the seasoned ribs on top of your sauerkraut mixture, but I'm going to put them fat side down so that the juice and the flavor from the fat actually helps to season the sauerkraut – and flavor them with your favorite spices. I still like the combination of paprika, pepper, and garlic on mine.

Bake the Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut

Bake uncovered in a 375 degree oven for 90 minutes to 2 hours – or until the ribs are tender. Serve generous portions with a side of boiled potatoes.

Pork ribs with sauerkraut - it looks delicious. Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at food.about.com.