🌾 Chuckwagon New Year’s Day Recipe (Jan 1, 2026)🥬 Northern-Style Sauerkraut & Ribs

🥬 Northern-Style Sauerkraut & Ribs

Old-country comfort, slow-simmered goodness, and a hopeful start to the new year.

In many Northern and German traditions, sauerkraut on New Year’s Day symbolizes prosperity, endurance, and good fortune for the year ahead. This chuckwagon-style version keeps it rustic, hearty, and made for sharing.

🐖 Ingredients

• 2–3 lbs pork ribs (country-style or spare ribs)

• 1 tbsp bacon grease or butter

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large jars (32 oz each) sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed

• 1 cup apple juice or cider

• ½ cup chicken or pork broth

• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, traditional)

• 1 tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt (go light — kraut is salty)

• Optional: 1 apple, sliced (very Northern-style)

🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the RibsHeat bacon grease in a large Dutch oven. Brown ribs on all sides, then remove and set aside.

2. Build the BaseIn the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

3. Layer the GoodnessAdd sauerkraut to the pot. Stir in apple juice, broth, caraway seeds, pepper, and apple slices if using.

4. Add Ribs Back InNestle ribs down into the sauerkraut mixture.

5. Slow SimmerCover and simmer on low 2–2½ hours, stirring occasionally, until ribs are fall-apart tender and flavors are fully developed.(Oven option: 300°F for 2½ hours, covered.)

6. ServeServe hot with mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, or crusty bread.

🤠 Chuckwagon Tip

On the trail, this would’ve simmered all afternoon — the longer it cooks, the better it gets. Leftovers taste even richer the next day.

🤍 New Year Meaning

• Pork symbolizes progress (it roots forward, never backward)

• Sauerkraut represents abundance and longevityA beautiful, meaningful way to welcome 2026 with hope and nourishment.