Savory Sautéed Sauerkraut with Smoked Sausages

This savory sautéed sauerkraut with smoked sausages is a comforting, hearty dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. The tangy and slightly sweet taste of the sauerkraut pairs wonderfully with the rich, smoky flavor of the sausages. It's an easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Cooking this dish fills your home with a delightful aroma that instantly lifts your spirits, inviting you to enjoy a delicious meal. The blend of spices, including bay leaf, allspice, and juniper berries, adds depth and complexity to the dish, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. The dish is both satisfying and nutritious, offering a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fibers. It's a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations, beloved for its simplicity and taste. Suitable for many occasions, it's a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences. Whether you're a fan of traditional, hearty fare or simply looking for a delightful new recipe to try, this sauerkraut and sausage dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 kg sauerkraut
1 kg smoked sausages
1 onion

Spices:

1 bay leaf
1.5 tablespoons sugar
10 five-spice peppercorns
Allspice (to taste)
5 juniper berries

Liquids:

1/2 cup water

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 60 minutes (including preparation and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion. Rinse the sauerkraut under cold water to remove excess salt and acidity.
Begin Cooking: In a large pot, add the sauerkraut, chopped onion, water, sugar, bay leaf, five-spice peppercorns, allspice, and juniper berries.
Simmer: Set the pot over low heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently. This step is crucial for softening the sauerkraut and melding the flavors.
Slice the Sausages: While the sauerkraut is cooking, slice the smoked sausages into bite-sized pieces.
Add the Sausages: After approximately 40 minutes, when the sauerkraut is nearly tender, add the sliced sausages to the pot.
Mix Well: Stir the sausages into the sauerkraut mixture, ensuring everything is evenly combined.
Continue Cooking: Let the mixture cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the sausages to heat through and impart their smoky flavor to the sauerkraut.
Check for Tenderness: Test the sauerkraut to see if it's tender. It should be soft but still retain some texture.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more allspice or sugar if desired.
Serve Hot: Once done, remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, as they develop even more flavor over time.

Tips

Substitutions: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes.
Technique: If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream at the end.
Cooking Tip: Using a thick-bottomed pan helps prevent the sauerkraut from burning.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
Proteins: 15g
Fats: 30g
Carbs: 20g

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute smoked sausages with smoked tofu or tempeh.
Low-Carb: Use turkey sausages to reduce fat content.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with crusty bread or boiled potatoes for a classic pairing.
Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

Best Places

Cafe Central: offers expertly crafted sauerkraut dishes. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
Riga Spirits & Wine Hunter: known for its flavorful smoked meats and sauerkraut. Location: Stabu iela 30, Riga, Latvia.
Zurich's Leslie Café: offers homemade sausage and sauerkraut dishes. Location: Zurlindenstrasse 115, Zurich, Switzerland.
Munich Wirtshaus zur Brez'n: famous for traditional Bavarian cuisine with a robust sauerkraut dish. Location: Leopoldstraße 72, Munich, Germany.
Cafe du Soleil: a perfect spot for enjoying a gourmet sauerkraut and sausage dish in a cozy setting. Location: Place du Petit-Saconnex 6, Geneva, Switzerland.
Prague's Bistro Chez Marcel: unique take on sauerkraut with smoked sausage. Location: Štefánikova 75/48, Prague, Czech Republic.
Tallinn's Restoran Mon Repos: a delightful European spot with a twist on traditional recipes. Location: Narva mnt 92, Tallinn, Estonia.
Stockholm's Pelikan: Swedish hospitality serving authentic northern European flavors. Location: Blekingegatan 40, Stockholm, Sweden.
Copenhagen's Restaurant Møller: classic Scandinavian flavors with adventurous sauerkraut dishes. Location: Nørrebrogade 160, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Budapest's Bestia: combines modern Hungarian and international cuisine, offering a tasty sauerkraut dish. Location: Szent István téri bazilika 9, Budapest, Hungary.