Sauerkraut Soup I

Ingredients

 * 4 or 5 spare ribs
 * 1 diced onion (medium or large)
 * A few bay leaves
 * Peppercorns to taste (I use 5 to 10)
 * Quart or large bag of sauerkraut (not rinsed)
 * 1/2 fresh cabbage - shredded (optional)
 * 1 can of diced tomatoes (soup sized can)
 * 1 garlic clove
 * Mushrooms (optional)

Directions

 * 1) Cut up a 1/2 slab of ribs and brown the spare ribs in a bit of any oil or crisco. This browning is optional. Cover the ribs well with water, add bay leaves, garlic,several peppercorns and the diced onion. Cook the ribs until very soft.
 * 2) When the ribs are cooked, remove the meat from the rib bone and cut into pieces and put back into the pot. Leave the "ribs water" and add the sauerkraut and also some shredded fresh cabbage.
 * 3) Add the can of diced tomatoes and some sliced mushrooms.
 * 4) Add more water if necessary for the soup consistency you like.
 * 5) This soup can be made from any cut of fresh pork.
 * 6) Some chilled, whole boiled potatoes on the side.
 * 7) The hot soup and cold potatoes complement each other.