Potato and Sauerkraut Casserole with Sausages Recipe

This delightful dish combines the comforting flavors of potatoes, sauerkraut, and sausages into a savory casserole that is sure to please the palate. A perfect blend of tender mashed potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, and juicy sausages makes for a hearty meal that is both satisfying and delicious. The subtle sweetness of apple juice and a hint of mustard add depth to the dish, while breadcrumbs provide a lovely crust. It’s an ideal meal for cold-weather days or whenever you're in the mood for some warm, home-cooked comfort food. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also adaptable, offering room for creativity in terms of spices and additional ingredients to suit your taste. Whether served as a main course or an accompaniment to a larger feast, this casserole is truly versatile. Moreover, it is rich in nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for your dinner table. Try pairing it with a crisp green salad or a glass of your favorite wine for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy the process of bringing this traditional dish to life, and delight in serving it to your friends and family.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 600 g floury potatoes
• 1 onion
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 400 g sauerkraut
• 100 ml apple juice
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 Vienna sausages
• 200 g sour cream
• 2 tsp wholegrain mustard
• 4 tbsp breadcrumbs

Spices:

• Salt
• White pepper

Preparation Time

Total Time: 70 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes and place them in a large pot. Fill the pot with water until it covers the potatoes by about 2 cm. Cover the pot with a lid and boil the potatoes for about 20 minutes until they are tender.
2. Chop the Onion: Peel and finely chop the onion.
3. Cook the Onion: Heat the melted butter in a pan and sauté the onions until they are translucent.
4. Add Sauerkraut: Stir in the sauerkraut and sauté briefly before adding the apple juice.
5. Season the Mixture: Add brown sugar, salt, and white pepper for flavor. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
6. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the boiled potatoes. Peel and mash them using a potato masher. Mix in 1 tbsp of butter for added flavor.
7. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with some of the remaining butter.
8. Slice the Sausages: Cut the Vienna sausages into slices.
9. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, sauerkraut mix, sour cream, and mustard until well combined.
10. Add Sausages: Gently stir the sausages into the mixture.
11. Final Seasoning and Assembly: Add more salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
12. Add a Crust: Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and dot with small pieces of butter.
13. Bake to Perfection: Place in the heated oven and bake at 160°C for about 30 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.
14. Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, try adding some grated cheese to the mixture before baking.
• Experiment with spices: Smoked paprika or cumin can add an interesting twist to the dish.
• Vegan Option: Substitute sausages with plant-based alternatives and replace butter and cream with vegan options.

Nutritions

• Calories: 480 per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Fats: 14g
• Carbs: 44g

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace sausages with grilled mushrooms or tofu.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Spicy Twist: Add chopped chili peppers for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
• Pair with a light white wine or a rich dark beer for a complete meal.

Best Places

1. Café Central - Famous for their diverse menu including comforting casseroles. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
2. Le Coucou - Known for their rustic French dishes, including sauerkraut specialties. Location: 138 Lafayette St, New York, USA.
3. Zum Stammtisch - Celebrated for its hearty German cuisine. Location: 6946 Myrtle Ave, Glendale, NY, USA.
4. Karl's Sausage Kitchen - Offers a variety of meats and traditional German dishes. Location: 1 Bourbon St, Peabody, MA, USA.
5. Saucisson - Charmingly serves home-style European meals. Location: 5324 Fleet Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA.
6. Kuchnia Polska - Highlights Polish comfort foods, including tasty casseroles. Location: 4451 Olde Perimeter Way, Atlanta, GA, USA.
7. Würst Kitchen - Where traditional meets modern cuisine including hearty casseroles. Location: 1117 Waukegan Rd, Northbrook, IL, USA.
8. The Silver Skillet - A place for classic comfort foods, famous for its traditional meals. Location: 200 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA, USA.
9. Pork & Pickle - Offers gourmet comfort foods with a focus on quality ingredients. Location: 1 Kansas City Blvd, Kansas, MO, USA.
10. Old Europe Bistro - Specializing in authentic European dining experiences. Location: 2464 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL, USA.