Midwesterners Embrace Pork and Sauerkraut for New Year’s Luck
The tradition of eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day for good luck is a strong one among Midwesterners, according to a recent anecdote shared by simplyrecipes.
The practice often involves the strong aromas of braising pork and sauerkraut filling the house, a memory that for some starts out as childhood aversion.
Simplyrecipes highlights a unique family variation on this classic dish. The author notes that their mother’s recipe elevates the simple meal by incorporating specific ingredients into the sauerkraut base:
- Grated carrot
- Tomato juice
- A touch of brown sugar
These additions are credited with adding visual appeal and softening the sharp flavor profile of the sauerkraut, transforming a homely meal into something special. The tradition, initially disliked by the author as a child due to its association with the end of holiday break and endless football games, has grown into an appreciated adult comfort food.
