Drain juice from a can of sauerkraut. Fill with water and drain again. Put layer of kraut in pan then a layer of ribs then the rest of the kraut. Put in heaping tablespoon of oatmeal. Add enough water to barely cover. Cut up an onion, if desired. Bring to a fast boil, cover, turn down and cook slowly until ribs are tender, about 1 1/2 hours.