Drain and rinse one 32-ounce jar or can of sauerkraut. Squeeze most of the water from it with your very clean hands.
Trim any visible fat from the ribs and cut them into 2-bone sections, and season them with salt and pepper.
Peel and slice the onion, and roughly chop the garlic.
Add the sauerkraut to the bottom of a large Crock Pot. Lay the ribs on top, and sprinkle with the onion, peppercorns, and garlic. Add the by leaves, and 1 cup of water.
Put the lid on and set the slow cooker to high. Cook on high for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so, until the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender.
Adjust the seasoning adding salt and pepper to taste, serve and enjoy!
