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December 10, 2024
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal, look no further than brats and sauerkraut. This classic German dish combines savory sausages with tangy fermented cabbage for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving some comfort food, cooking brats and sauerkraut is a must-try.
To start, you’ll need high-quality bratwurst sausages. Look for sausages made with a blend of ground pork and veal, as this combination creates a perfect balance of flavors. You can find brats at your local butcher or grocery store. If you prefer a different type of sausage, such as Italian or Polish, feel free to substitute it in this recipe.
Sauerkraut, the star of the dish, is made by fermenting cabbage in a brine of salt and water. It is packed with probiotics and vitamins, making it a healthy addition to your meal. You can find sauerkraut in jars or cans at most grocery stores. While store-bought sauerkraut works well, you can also make your own at home if you’re feeling adventurous.
Before cooking the brats, it’s important to give them a quick bath in beer. This step adds extra flavor and helps to keep the sausages juicy. Simply place the brats in a skillet and cover them with your favorite beer. Let them soak for about 10 minutes before cooking.
Now, it’s time to cook the brats and sauerkraut. Start by heating a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the brats from the beer bath and place them on the hot skillet. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This will give them a delicious crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
While the brats are cooking, you can prepare the sauerkraut. Drain the sauerkraut and rinse it well under cold water to remove any excess saltiness. Then, add it to a separate skillet and cook it over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help to mellow out the flavor and warm it up.
Once the brats are fully cooked and the sauerkraut is warmed through, it’s time to serve this delicious dish. Place the brats in buns and top them with a generous serving of sauerkraut. You can also add some mustard or other condiments of your choice. This meal pairs well with a cold beer or your favorite side dishes, such as potato salad or coleslaw. Enjoy!
Tips and variations
For extra flavor, you can add sliced onions to the skillet when cooking the brats. The caramelized onions will give the dish a touch of sweetness and depth.
If you’re vegetarian or looking for a meatless option, you can substitute the brats with vegetarian sausages or tofu. These alternatives can still be delicious when cooked with sauerkraut.
If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can grill the brats instead of cooking them in a skillet. Simply preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the sausages until they’re browned and cooked through.
Brats and sauerkraut: a traditional recipe
Brats and sauerkraut is a classic German dish that combines the rich flavors of bratwurst sausage with the tanginess of sauerkraut. This traditional recipe is simple to make and is perfect for gatherings or a hearty meal at home.
To make brats and sauerkraut, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 bratwurst sausages
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Push the onion and garlic mixture to the side of the skillet and add the bratwurst sausages. Cook the sausages until they are browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Once the sausages are browned, add the sauerkraut, chicken broth, and caraway seeds to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the sauerkraut is tender.
![Raw Organic Fermented Probiotic Sauerkraut, "Purple Cabbage" Variety [Vegan, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Probiotic] 16oz Glass Jar by Wise Goat Organics](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41pRJRJqzIL._SS520_.jpg)
5. Serve the brats and sauerkraut hot, either on its own or with your favorite mustard and a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
This classic brats and sauerkraut recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering or for a comforting meal at home. Enjoy the flavors of Germany with this delicious and easy-to-make dish.
Preparing the ingredients
Before you start cooking brats and sauerkraut, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them properly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bratwurst sausages: Get high-quality brats from your local butcher or grocery store. Aim for about one brat per person.
- Sauerkraut: Pick up a jar or a bag of sauerkraut from the store. You can also make your own if you prefer.
- Onion: You’ll need one medium-sized onion, thinly sliced.
- Beer: Choose a beer with a light flavor to add extra depth to the dish. About 1 cup should be enough.
- Mustard: Keep some mustard handy for serving.
- Buns: Prepare some buns or rolls for serving the brats.
- Butter: You’ll need a small amount of butter for frying the onions.
- Salt and pepper: Season the dish to taste with salt and pepper.
Cooking equipment needed
Make sure to have the following cooking equipment ready before you start cooking:
- A medium-sized skillet or frying pan
- Tongs or a spatula for flipping the brats
- A plate or tray for setting aside the cooked brats
- A wooden spoon for stirring the sauerkraut
- A knife and cutting board for slicing the onion
Once you have all the ingredients and cooking equipment prepared, you’re ready to move on to the next steps of the recipe!
Cooking the brats
1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the brats on the stovetop using a large skillet or frying pan.
2. Place the brats on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through. If using a stovetop, cook the brats over medium heat, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through.
3. While the brats are cooking, you can prepare the sauerkraut. Simply open the can or jar of sauerkraut and drain off any excess liquid.
4. Once the brats are cooked, remove them from the grill or stovetop and let them rest for a few minutes.
5. Serve the brats on a bun or hoagie roll, topped with sauerkraut and any desired condiments such as mustard or ketchup.
6. Enjoy your delicious brats and sauerkraut!
Making homemade sauerkraut
Making homemade sauerkraut is a simple and rewarding process. It requires just a few ingredients and a bit of patience. Follow these steps to make your own delicious sauerkraut:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized head of cabbage
- 2 tablespoons pickling salt
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and set them aside for later use.
- Shred the cabbage into thin strips using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, pickling salt, and caraway seeds (if using). Massage the mixture with your hands for a few minutes until the cabbage starts to release its juices.
- Transfer the cabbage mixture into a clean glass jar, pressing it down firmly to remove any air pockets. Leave about 2 inches of headspace at the top of the jar.
- Take one of the reserved cabbage leaves and use it to cover the surface of the cabbage mixture, creating a barrier between the cabbage and the air.
- Place a clean weight, like a small jar filled with water, on top of the cabbage leaf to keep it submerged in its own juices.
- Cover the jar with a clean kitchen towel or a coffee filter secured with a rubber band.
- Allow the jar to sit at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, checking it every few days. During this time, the cabbage will ferment and develop the tangy flavor of sauerkraut. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can let it ferment for longer.
- After the desired fermentation period, remove the weight and the cabbage leaf. Transfer the sauerkraut to a clean storage jar and refrigerate. It will continue to ferment slowly in the refrigerator, developing more flavor over time.
Note: Homemade sauerkraut can stay fresh in the refrigerator for several months.
Combining the brats and sauerkraut
Once the brats are cooked to perfection, it’s time to combine them with the sauerkraut to create a delicious and flavorful dish. Here are the steps to follow:
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Step 1: Drain the sauerkraut
Start by draining the sauerkraut liquid. Use a strainer to remove the excess liquid from the sauerkraut. This will prevent the dish from becoming too watery and ensure that the flavors are concentrated.
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Step 2: Heat the sauerkraut
In a large skillet or pan, heat the sauerkraut over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Heating the sauerkraut will help to enhance its flavor and break down any tough bits.
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Step 3: Add the brats
Once the sauerkraut is heated through, add the cooked brats to the pan. Nestle them into the sauerkraut, making sure they are fully submerged. This will allow the flavors to meld together as they finish cooking.
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Step 4: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let the brats and sauerkraut simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to fully combine. This will also help to tenderize the brats and infuse them with the sauerkraut taste.
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Step 5: Serve
Once the brats are heated through and the sauerkraut is tender, you’re ready to serve! Use a slotted spoon to transfer the brats and sauerkraut to a serving dish, leaving any excess liquid behind. You can serve them on buns, alongside some mustard, or with a side of potatoes for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious brats and sauerkraut dish!
Q&A
How long do you boil brats before grilling?
You should boil brats for about 10-15 minutes before grilling. Boiling helps to cook the brats fully and ensures they are not raw on the inside when they are grilled.
What is the best way to cook brats?
The best way to cook brats is by grilling them. Grilling gives them a delicious smoky flavor and crispy texture. You can also pan-fry or bake them if you don’t have a grill.
How do you cook brats without drying them out?
To prevent brats from drying out while cooking, you can simmer them in beer or broth before grilling. This helps to keep them moist and juicy. Another tip is to cook them over medium heat and avoid overcooking.
What is sauerkraut and how is it made?
Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage dish that originated in Germany. It is made by finely shredding cabbage and fermenting it with salt. The cabbage is layered with salt and left to ferment for several weeks, during which lactic acid bacteria transform the sugars in the cabbage into lactic acid.
Can you cook sauerkraut with brats?
Yes, cooking sauerkraut with brats is a classic combination. The sauerkraut adds tanginess and flavor to the brats. You can cook them together by simmering the sauerkraut in a pot or baking them in the oven.
What are brats and sauerkraut?
Brats are a type of German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal. Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage. When cooked together, they make a delicious and traditional German dish.