German sauerkraut & bratwurst & bacon onion potatoes

Serves: 6

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Method: Stove Top

Caramelized Apple Sauerkraut:

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 medium Granny Smith apple
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups of high-quality cold-pack sauerkraut (not canned)
• 1/4 cup of light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of light brown beer
• 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of caraway seeds (optional)

Bratwurst Delight:

Ingredients:

• 6 premium quality bratwurst sausages
• 1 1/2 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of butter

Bacon-Kissed Potato Medley:

Ingredients:

• 3 slices of bacon or 2 tablespoons of real bacon bits
• 1/4 cup of diced or thinly sliced onions
• 1/2 cup of balsamic vinaigrette dressing
• 4 small red potatoes, thinly sliced (1/4-inch thick)
• 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

Caramelized Apple Sauerkraut:

1. Begin by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Saute the sliced apples and onions until they become beautifully caramelized and tender. Stir constantly to ensure even cooking.
2. Introduce the well-rinsed and drained sauerkraut into the pan alongside the caramelized apples and onions. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the mixture, tossing everything in the delectable browned butter.
3. Reduce the heat to low, add the brown beer, black pepper, and caraway seeds (if using), then cover. Allow the mixture to cook over very low heat, stirring occasionally. The goal is a rich, golden brown color, which may take up to a couple of hours on very low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even caramelization, but be mindful not to let it burn. A slight scorch is welcomed for added flavor.
4. Once your sauerkraut reaches your desired caramelization level, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Bratwurst Delight:

5. Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve, it’s time to prepare the bratwurst. In a large skillet, combine the bratwurst, water, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
6. Cook the bratwurst for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the water evaporates, and the sausages begin to brown. The butter will cling to the bratwurst casings, yielding a delightful golden finish. Rotate the sausages as needed to prevent over-browning.

Bacon-Kissed Potato Medley:

7. While the bratwurst is simmering and browning, let’s prepare the Bacon-Kissed Potato Medley. Preheat a large saute pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Cook the bacon until it turns crispy, then chop it into small pieces.
8. Pour off most of the bacon grease, leaving just a hint in the pan. Add the bacon pieces, diced onions, and balsamic vinaigrette dressing to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions caramelize.
9. Now, introduce the remaining ingredients: sliced red potatoes, brown sugar, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer over low heat for approximately 25 minutes, ensuring the potatoes cook through.
10. Keep the pan covered to retain moisture; if necessary, add a splash of beer to keep the potatoes tender and create a steamy environment for cooking. Stir occasionally, being gentle to avoid breaking the potato slices apart.
11. Optional: After the bratwurst sausages are perfectly browned, you can combine them with the sauerkraut for a brief period to meld the flavors, or serve them separately.
12. Serve this delightful German feast with dark brown bread and butter, a side of applesauce, and a dollop of rich, dark brown mustard. Savor the authentic flavors of a German Hessen-style meal, lovingly prepared for your enjoyment.

image source : justapinch