Savory Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Stew
Embrace a burst of Polish flavors with this heartwarming Savory Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Stew! Inspired by my family's traditions, this dish is a delightful blend of smokey fresh kielbasa, tender pork ribs, and tangy sauerkraut, simmered to perfection with sweet apples and aromatic vegetables. Ideal for gathering around the table, this stew is not only an excellent way to nourish a crowd, but it also makes for tasty leftovers that taste even better the next day. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and crusty rye bread to soak up every delicious bite. Whether you're cooking it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this dish is sure to warm your heart and home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh kielbasa
1 lb (sliced into 1/4-inch slices)
Country-style pork ribs
1 lb (browned)
Apple juice
6 tablespoons (none)
Onions
3 large (chopped)
Carrots
3 (sliced)
Apple
1 large (diced)
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Bay leaves
2 (none)
Garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Caraway seed
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Chicken broth
1 cup (none)
Sauerkraut
8 cups (rinsed and well drained)
White wine
1/2 cup (none)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
Salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, brown the fresh kielbasa and country-style pork ribs over medium heat until evenly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2
Drain the fat from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Return the skillet to the heat.
3
Add the apple juice, chopped onions, sliced carrots, diced apple, chopped parsley, bay leaves, garlic salt, caraway seeds, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4
Stir in the rinsed and drained sauerkraut, white wine, brown sugar, and the previously browned pork ribs and kielbasa cut into 1/4-inch slices. Mix well to combine.
5
Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish or keep it in the skillet if oven-safe, and cover with aluminum foil or a lid.
6
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
7
Serve hot, paired with generous portions of creamy mashed potatoes and slices of good rye bread slathered with butter.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Stew?
It is a heartwarming Polish-inspired dish featuring smoky kielbasa, pork ribs, tangy sauerkraut, and sweet apples simmered with aromatic vegetables.
What types of meat are used in this stew?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of fresh kielbasa and 1 pound of country-style pork ribs.
How much sauerkraut is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 8 cups of sauerkraut, which should be rinsed and well-drained.
Should the kielbasa be sliced before cooking?
Yes, the fresh kielbasa should be sliced into 1/4-inch slices after it has been browned.
What is the first step in preparing the meat?
Brown the fresh kielbasa and country-style pork ribs in a large skillet over medium heat until they are evenly browned.
Do I need to drain the fat from the skillet?
Yes, you should drain the fat but leave about 2 tablespoons in the skillet for flavor when cooking the vegetables.
What liquid is used to simmer the vegetables?
The vegetables are simmered in a combination of apple juice and chicken broth.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 large onions, chopped.
How many carrots are included in the stew?
There are 3 carrots, sliced, included in the vegetable mixture.
What fruit is added to the stew?
One large diced apple is added to provide a touch of sweetness that balances the sauerkraut.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with chopped fresh parsley, bay leaves, garlic salt, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper.
How long do the vegetables simmer before adding the meat back?
The vegetables should simmer in the liquid for 20 minutes until they are tender.
What kind of wine should be used?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of white wine.
Why is brown sugar added to the recipe?
Two tablespoons of brown sugar are added to help balance the tanginess of the sauerkraut.
What is the oven temperature for baking the stew?
The stew should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the stew need to bake?
The stew should bake for 1 hour to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Should the baking dish be covered?
Yes, you should cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid while it is in the oven.
What are the recommended side dishes?
It is best served with creamy mashed potatoes and crusty rye bread with butter.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, while the instructions focus on stovetop and oven, the description mentions it can be adapted for a slow cooker.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total, including the meats, vegetables, liquids, and seasonings.
Does the sauerkraut need special preparation?
Yes, the sauerkraut should be rinsed and well-drained before being stirred into the mixture.
How much caraway seed is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of caraway seeds.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt for seasoning.
How much apple juice is required?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of apple juice.
Are the leftovers good?
Yes, the stew makes for tasty leftovers that often taste even better the next day.
What size should the apple be?
The recipe suggests using 1 large apple, diced.
How much chicken broth is needed?
You will need 1 cup of chicken broth.
What should I do with the pork ribs after browning?
Remove them from the skillet, set them aside, and then add them back to the mixture before baking.
What type of bread is suggested for serving?
Good rye bread slathered with butter is recommended to soak up the delicious juices.
How many bay leaves are used?
The recipe uses 2 bay leaves.