How to Make Hearty Sauerkraut And Kielbasa

Sauerkraut and Kielbasa is a traditional German dish, and makes quite a hearty dinner. Whether simmered all day in a Crock Pot, cooked in the oven, or simmered on the stove top, it's the perfect meal for a chilly day. This Sauerkraut recipe uses the addition of apples, beer, and caraway seeds to dress up the ordinary and sets this Sauerkraut apart from the crowd. Here's how you can make a hearty Sauerkraut and Kielbasa that will leave your family begging for more!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 16 oz sauerkraut, mostly drained
• 1 Granny Smith apple, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 16 oz Smoked Kielbasa, German sausage, or smoked pork
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1/2 cup beer

1. Decide which way you will be cooking your Sauerkraut. This Sauerkraut recipe works best in a crock pot, but you may choose to cook this on low heat on the stove, or in the oven in a covered dish. A crock pot will simmer this Sauerkraut to perfection in about six hours, an oven will take about two to three hours, and the stove top in a covered skillet about an hour. The Sauerkraut recipe is the same either way, only the cooking times are different.

2. Drain Sauerkraut, reserving some liquid. Place Sauerkraut in the pot, and add about a half cup of liquid back in. If you prefer a more tart Sauerkraut, add a little extra juice. If you prefer a sweeter Sauerkraut, add a little less.

3. Slice kielbasa or German sausage on the diagonal into 3/4 inch pieces. Smoked pork also goes very well with this Sauerkraut recipe, and should be cut into bite sized pieces. Place in pot with Sauerkraut, and stir.

4. Dice a small onion and a Granny Smith apple. Add to Sauerkraut, and stir well. Dice onion pieces a little smaller than the apple pieces, and white onions work best with this recipe. If Granny Smith apples are not available, Golden Delicious or any other tart apple works well.

5. Add one tsp caraway seeds, one cup apple juice, and one half cup beer. A dark German beer will give the best flavor, but any beer will do. The alcohol will cook out. If you prefer a sweeter Sauerkraut, add a little more apple juice. Stir well, and if your Sauerkraut doesn't have enough liquid, add a little of the original juice diluted with water.

6. Cover Sauerkraut tightly, and cook according to times listed in step one. If cooking on the stove top, stir frequently to prevent burning and sticking to the skillet.

Tips & Warnings

• Turkey Sausage can be used for a lower fat recipe.