Braised Pork Chops With Sauerkraut

I have been making this recipe for more years than I care to admit to. It's simple to put together and very flavorful. I usually serve with boiled potatoes.

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4  pork chops, 1-inch thick
• 2  tablespoons butter or 2  tablespoons  lard
• 4  slices  thick-cut bacon
• 2  lbs sauerkraut or 3  lbs sauerkraut
• 1  large onion, sliced
• 1  garlic clove, minced
•  salt, to taste
•  fresh ground black pepper
• 3  cups beer

Directions

1. Melt the butter or lard in a skillet and quickly brown the pork chops on both sides. Place on platter and set aside.
2. Arrange the bacon in the bottom of a large dutch oven or braising pan.
3. Rinse the sauerkraut in a colander and squeeze out as much water as you can. (You can skip this step if you like a stronger flavor). Place half of it on top of the bacon.
4. Place the sliced onions over the sauerkraut and sprinkle with 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
5. Arrange the pork chops on top of the onions, and pour in any collected juices.Sprinkle with salt, pepper and the garlic.
6. Add the rest of the sauerkraut, sprinkle with pepper and pour over as much beer as you need to cover.
7. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook one hour. The pot should never get completely dry.
8. Note: I find 2 lbs sauerkraut to be enough, but if you have hearty eaters, you might want the larger quantity. I do not add additional salt.