Tangy Sweet and Sour Sauerkraut Delight
This Tangy Sweet and Sour Sauerkraut Delight is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that elevates your Oktoberfest celebrations. Inspired by a classic Gourmet magazine recipe, this dish combines caramelized onions and garlic with warm spices and sweet tomatoes to create a beautiful harmony of flavors. Perfectly paired with bratwursts and a crisp beer, it’s a make-ahead favorite that will impress your guests and leave everyone asking for seconds. The slight tang of sauerkraut balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar makes this dish not only a great accompaniment to meat but also a fantastic vegetarian option.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 large (sliced)
garlic cloves
2 large (minced)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons
cumin seed
1 teaspoon (toasted)
whole allspice
10 (crushed)
whole tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can
dark brown sugar
1/4-1/2 cup (packed)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
sauerkraut
3 lbs (rinsed well and drained)
Instructions
1
In a heavy saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over moderate low heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking them slowly for about 30 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized.
2
Once the onions and garlic are golden, increase the heat to moderate and stir in the toasted cumin seeds and crushed allspice. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3
Add the can of whole tomatoes, including their juice, to the pan. Break the tomatoes apart with a spoon. Stir in the brown sugar (adjusting to your desired level of sweetness), salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Carefully fold in the rinsed and drained sauerkraut, making sure it is well incorporated into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan partially, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. This dish can be served immediately or made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Sweet and Sour Sauerkraut Delight?
It is a vibrant and flavorful side dish inspired by a classic Gourmet magazine recipe, combining caramelized onions, garlic, warm spices, and sweet tomatoes with sauerkraut.
Is this sauerkraut recipe suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, this recipe is both vegetarian and vegan as it uses vegetable oil and plant-based ingredients like sauerkraut, tomatoes, and spices.
Can I make Tangy Sweet and Sour Sauerkraut Delight ahead of time?
Yes, it is a make-ahead favorite that can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.
What are the primary spices used in this recipe?
The dish features toasted cumin seeds and crushed whole allspice for a warm, fragrant flavor profile.
How much sauerkraut is required for this recipe?
You will need 3 lbs of sauerkraut, which should be rinsed well and drained before use.
How long should I cook the onions and garlic?
The onions and garlic should be cooked slowly over moderate low heat for about 30 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized.
What type of sugar is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1/4 to 1/2 cup of packed dark brown sugar to provide sweetness.
What should I serve with this sauerkraut dish?
It pairs perfectly with bratwursts and a crisp beer, making it ideal for Oktoberfest celebrations.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should add the 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes along with their juice to the pan.
How long is the final simmering time?
After adding the sauerkraut, the mixture should simmer for about 30 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.
What kind of oil should be used for sautéing?
The recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Should the sauerkraut be rinsed?
Yes, the sauerkraut should be rinsed well and drained to manage the saltiness and acidity before adding it to the pot.
How do I prepare the allspice for this recipe?
You should use 10 whole allspice berries and crush them before adding them to the dish.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish has a harmonious balance of tangy sauerkraut, sweet dark brown sugar, and savory caramelized onions and garlic.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 large garlic cloves, minced.
Is this a German-inspired dish?
Yes, it is categorized under German cuisine and is specifically suggested for Oktoberfest.
Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Yes, you can adjust the dark brown sugar between 1/4 and 1/2 cup based on your preferred level of sweetness.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 large onion, sliced.
Should the pan be covered during simmering?
The instructions recommend partially covering the saucepan during the final 30-minute simmer.
How do I handle the whole tomatoes in the pan?
Once added to the pan, you should break the whole tomatoes apart with a spoon.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including vegetables, spices, and seasonings.
How long do I sauté the spices?
After adding the cumin seeds and allspice, sauté them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
What amount of salt and pepper is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can this dish be served immediately after cooking?
Yes, the dish can be served immediately or saved for later.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food, offering a warm and hearty side for any meal.
Do I need to toast the cumin seeds?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of toasted cumin seeds for the best flavor.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The finished dish features soft, caramelized onions and tender sauerkraut in a thick, tomato-based sauce where most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Does this recipe include meat?
No, this is a vegetable-based side dish and does not contain any meat.
How long does the tomato mixture simmer before adding sauerkraut?
The tomato, sugar, and spice mixture should simmer for about 10 minutes before you fold in the sauerkraut.
What heat setting should be used for the onions?
The onions should be cooked on moderate low heat to ensure they caramelize slowly without burning.