Step 1

Add water to a large cooking pot along with the pork ribs and cook for 1 hour.

Step 2

Remove meat to a plate and shred it using two forks. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium skillet and over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until translucent.

Step 4

Stir in carrot and cook for five more minutes.

Step 5

In a pot with strained broth, add potatoes, bay leaf, and sauerkraut and cook for 15 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in shredded meat, cumin, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and sauteed onion and carrot, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.

Step 7

Remove Sauerkraut Soup from the heat. Ladle it into the bowls, top with sour cream if desired, and serve immediately.