Savory Smoked Sausage and Homemade Sauerkraut Stew
Growing up, sauerkraut was a dish I avoided, often thought to be bland and unappealing. But then I discovered how to prepare it from scratch, infusing it with layers of flavor that transformed it into a delicious and comforting meal. In this recipe, we combine the tangy goodness of homemade-style sauerkraut with hearty smoked sausage, savory onions, and a hint of sweetness from apple juice. This stew is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a warm embrace with each bite. Give it a chance—this dish will change your perspective on kraut forever!
N/A
Servings
333
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
2 (sliced very thin)
margarine
1 1/2 tablespoons (melted)
cold pack sauerkraut
2 lbs (rinsed and drained)
apple juice
1 cup (liquid)
water
1 cup (liquid)
caraway seed
1 teaspoon (whole)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (granulated)
smoked sausage
2 lbs (cut into 3" lengths)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, melt the margarine over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the rinsed and drained sauerkraut, ensuring it's evenly distributed in the pot. Pour in the apple juice and water, then sprinkle in the caraway seeds, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Mix everything together until well combined.
3
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
After 30 minutes, add the smoked sausage pieces into the pot. Stir to combine, then cover again and let it simmer for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until the sauerkraut is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
5
Serve hot, enjoying the rich combination of flavors in each bowl. This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or on its own as a hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
30g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Savory Smoked Sausage and Homemade Sauerkraut Stew?
The main protein is 2 lbs of smoked sausage, which provides approximately 18g of protein per serving.
How many calories are in one serving of this stew?
There are 333 calories in one serving of this dish.
Do I need to rinse the sauerkraut before cooking?
Yes, the recipe specifies that you should rinse and drain the cold pack sauerkraut before adding it to the pot.
What liquid is used to add sweetness to the sauerkraut?
One cup of apple juice is added to provide a hint of sweetness and balance the tanginess of the kraut.
How should the onions be prepared for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two onions to be sliced very thin.
What is the first step in cooking the stew?
The first step is to melt margarine in a large pot and sauté the sliced onions for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
How long does the stew need to simmer before adding the sausage?
The mixture should simmer covered for 30 minutes after being brought to a boil.
How long is the final simmer after adding the sausage?
After adding the sausage, let the stew simmer for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until the sauerkraut is tender.
What spices are used to season this sauerkraut stew?
The stew is seasoned with caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of brown sugar is added to the pot.
What type of sauerkraut is recommended?
The recipe recommends using cold pack sauerkraut.
How should the smoked sausage be cut?
The smoked sausage should be cut into 3-inch lengths.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 18g of fat.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What can I serve with this stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or can be enjoyed as a hearty meal on its own.
What type of fat is used to sauté the onions?
The recipe uses 1.5 tablespoons of margarine.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as German cuisine.
What is the texture of the onions after sautéing?
The onions should be soft and translucent.
Does the recipe require a specific amount of water?
Yes, the recipe requires one cup of water.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 10 ingredients required for this recipe.
Why are caraway seeds included in the recipe?
Caraway seeds are included to add a traditional savory flavor profile to the sauerkraut.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, despite the simmering time, due to its simple preparation steps.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
Yes, the pot should be covered with a lid during both the initial and final simmering stages.
What temperature should I use to sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed over medium heat.
How often should I stir the stew while it simmers?
You should stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pot.
What should I do if the sauerkraut is still too tangy?
The brown sugar and apple juice in the recipe are designed to balance the tang, but ensuring a thorough rinse of the kraut also helps.
What is the total amount of sauerkraut needed?
You will need 2 lbs of cold pack sauerkraut.
Is this a good meal for cold weather?
Yes, the description highlights it as a comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings.
How do I know when the stew is finished?
The stew is finished when the sauerkraut is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Can I adjust the seasoning levels?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt and black pepper to taste.