Place spareribs in boiling water, using just enough to cover the ribs. Add salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until the meat is tender, from 1 to 1½ hours. Drain. Place cooked ribs in large roasting pan or Dutch oven. Surround the ribs with the sauerkraut. Add water. Cover the pan and bake in a slow oven at 275 to 300 degrees for 2½ to 3 hours.