Country Dumpling Dinner
Submitted by roxanne
Browned pork ribs braised with tangy sauerkraut and caraway seeds, then crowned with fluffy potato dumplings cooked right on top. A German-American one-pot meal for 12.
YIELD
12 servingsPREP
15 minCOOK
2 hrsREADY
2 hrsThis is old-school, stick-to-your-ribs cooking from the German-American heartland, the kind of meal that feeds a big table and leaves everyone quiet and content.
Pork ribs get browned in a heavy kettle, then braise for an hour until they’re tender and the broth is rich with rendered pork fat.
Sauerkraut and caraway seeds go in next, adding that signature sour tang and earthy warmth that pairs with pork like nothing else.
But the real star here is the dumplings. Made from instant mashed potatoes, egg, and flour, they get dropped right onto the simmering sauerkraut where they steam into pillowy clouds that soak up all those savory juices from below.
Kitchen Tips
- Brown the ribs well on all sides before adding water. That fond on the bottom of the kettle is pure flavor
- Drop the dumplings onto the sauerkraut, not into the liquid. They need to steam, not boil, or they’ll fall apart
- Keep the lid on for the full 10 minutes while the dumplings cook. Every peek lets steam escape and deflates them
- Drain the sauerkraut first if you prefer a milder tang, or use it straight from the jar for full pucker
Ingredients
Directions
Cut ribs into serving portions; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Melt shortening in large kettle.
Add ribs, cook until lightly browned on all sides.
Add 1 quart water, 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Bring to boil, cover. Reduce heat; simmer for 1 hour.
Add sauerkraut and caraway seed.
Simmer for 30 minutes longer.
Mix ½ cup water and ½ cup evaporated milk in medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil, stir in instant potatoes.
Remove from heat; beat in egg and remaining milk.
Sift flour, 1 teaspoon salt and baking powder together.
Add to potato mixture, stirring to blend well. Drop dumplings by tablespoons onto boiling sauerkraut.
Cook over moderate heat for 5 minutes.
Cover, cook for 10 minutes longer. Serve.
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