A Tasty (and Lucky) New Year’s Tradition: PA Dutch Pork & Sauerkraut

When the clock strikes twelve on January 1st and we usher in a new year, people around the world have unique ways of celebrating. Some kick off the new year with a midnight kiss, a champagne toast, banging pots and pans, or setting off fireworks.

But if you find yourself in Lancaster County, PA on New Year’s Day, you’ll likely see locals ringing in the new year with a hearty meal of pork and sauerkraut! It’s a popular dish that’s believed to bring good fortune in the year ahead. 

A Tradition with German Roots

The tradition of eating New Year’s pork and sauerkraut can be traced back to the German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 17th and 18th centuries. 

Known today as the PA Dutch, these settlers brought many different customs to this region, including the culinary New Year’s practice that is still popular today. 

The combination of pork and sauerkraut was a staple during the cold winter months because of its longevity and nutritional value. But how did it turn into a tradition to eat it on New Year’s Day? It’s because of the symbolic meaning that these foods represent.

The Symbolism Behind Pork & Sauerkraut

To the PA Dutch, pork was viewed as a symbol of progress. That’s because pigs root forward when they’re searching for food, unlike chickens or turkeys which scratch backward. Therefore, consuming pork on New Year’s Day is a symbol of moving ahead into a prosperous new year.  

Similar to pork, sauerkraut (which means “sour cabbage”) was also believed to represent prosperity and abundance for the PA Dutch. Sauerkraut is made from a fermentation process that allowed farmers to preserve cabbage and keep it as a nutritious staple on their shelves over the cold winter months.  

Perfecting the Tasty Dish

Fast forward to today, and let’s take a look at how to prepare a classic PA Dutch pork and sauerkraut dish for you and your family!

Recipes can vary but preparing pork and sauerkraut usually involves slow-cooking the pork until it’s tender, then adding sauerkraut to the mix to get that perfect blend of flavors. 

Start by choosing a pork roast – ideally shoulder or loin for its tenderness.

Season the pork generously with salt and pepper. Want some traditional German flavor? Add a touch of caraway seeds.

In a large Dutch oven, sear the pork until it has a rich, golden-brown crust. Add a generous amount of sauerkraut and its juices to the pot.

For extra flavor, add sliced onions or diced apples to the mix. The apples add a hint of sweetness to balance out the tangy sauerkraut.

Cover the pork and sauerkraut and cook for 3-4 hours on a stove top or in a slow cooker. Once your pork is fall-apart tender, your dish is ready to enjoy.

Serve some mashed potatoes and crusty bread with your meal to soak up all the flavorful juices.

Making It a Community Experience

If cooking isn’t your thing but you still want to experience the pork and sauerkraut tradition, you’re in luck – especially if you’re spending New Year’s Day in Lancaster County, PA!

Many local churches, fire halls, and community centers in southcentral PA host meals on New Year’s Day and welcome visitors to join the celebration. 

For those who participate, it’s a memorable experience that not only honors tradition but also brings people together to reflect, enjoy friendly conversation, and hope for good luck in the year ahead.  

Visit The Amish Village This Holiday Season!

Are you celebrating the holidays in Lancaster County? Make plans to experience the Amish way of life at The Amish Village! Visitors can enjoy a genuine Amish property and learn about the culture up close.

Choose from three unique Amish tours including the Amish Farmhouse & Village Tour, Backroads Bus Tour, and our popular Premium Package Tour. See you soon!