Oktoberfest Ribs with Apple Sauerkraut

Ingredients

• 4 pounds pork spareribs (trimmed to fit into slow cooker, cut in 2-rib portions)
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 2 small red potatoes (sliced 1/4-inch thick)
• 1 red onion (small, peeled and sliced)
• 1 pound sauerkraut (refrigerated, rinsed and drained)
• 2 red apples (small, cored and sliced 1/4--inch think)
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (coarsely crushed)