Embark on a culinary journey to savor the tantalizing flavors of Riesling braised sauerkraut and apples, a delightful dish that blends sweet, sour, and savory notes in perfect harmony. This article presents a collection of recipes that showcase the versatility of this classic German dish, offering both traditional and innovative takes on this beloved comfort food. From the original Riesling braised sauerkraut and apples recipe, which captures the essence of this classic dish, to variations that incorporate different ingredients and cooking methods, this article has something for every palate. Discover how simple pantry staples like cabbage, apples, and Riesling wine can transform into a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul and leave you craving more.
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SAUERKRAUT AND APPLES
In the Chesapeake, seafood often finds its way onto the Thanksgiving menu. But in Baltimore, which has a strong eastern European and German immigrant history, the holiday table demands something else. "The absence of sauerkraut when turkey is present, Thanksgiving included, is unthinkable, comparable to potatoes without gravy or crisp French fries without ketchup," wrote John Shields, the chef and owner of Gertrude's restaurant in Baltimore, in his cookbook "Chesapeake Bay Cooking." (Sauerkraut is a mainstay well beyond Thanksgiving; Gertrude's hosts an annual Krautfest in January.) Traditionally, homemakers fermented the cabbage in earthenware crocks in their cellars, but these days the fresh stuff is available to buy. On Thanksgiving, it's often simply served as a side, or incorporated into dishes like this, in which the sauerkraut is braised in beer with bacon and apples.
Provided by Jennifer Steinhauer
Categories side dish
Time 55m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Melt butter in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring often, until fat has started to render, about 5 minutes.
- Toss onion and apples in the fat and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in sauerkraut.
- Add beer and season with pepper and caraway seeds. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover the pot. Reduce heat so mixture is just simmering and cook for 45 minutes. Or transfer the covered pot to a 350-degree oven and bake for 1 hour. Stir and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 220, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 17 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 850 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 0 grams
BRAISED SAUERKRAUT
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 9h5m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Place the drained sauerkraut in the insert of a 4-quart slow cooker. Add the onion, carrot, garlic, caraway seeds, thyme, bay leaves, juniper berries or gin, and black pepper. Combine them thoroughly with a fork or with your hands. Scatter the kielbasa on top and bury the hocks in the sauerkraut. Pour in the wine and broth. Cover and cook on LOW for 9 hours, until the juices are bubbling and the sauerkraut has lost its crunch.
- Remove the smoked hocks. If there is any meat on them, remove it and add it to the sauerkraut. Discard the bay leaves. Serve the braised sauerkraut as is with boiled potatoes, or use as a base for choucroute garni.
CHOUCROUTE ROYALE (BRAISED SAUERKRAUT)
Steps:
- Drain the sauerkraut and soak in cold water for 15 to 20 minutes. Taking it by small handfuls, squeeze out as much water as you can. Pick it apart to separate the strands.
- Remove the rind and slice the bacon into 1/2 inch cubes about 2 inches long. Simmer it in 1 quart of water for 10 minutes and drain.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Cook bacon, carrots, and onions in butter slowly in the covered casserole for 10 minutes without browning. Stir in the sauerkraut and when itis well covered with the fat and vegetables, cover and cook slowly for 10 minutes more.
- Bury the herbs and spices in the saurkraut. Pour in the wine, and enough stock to just cover the sauerkraut. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer on top of the stove. Lay a buttered round of wax paper on top of sauerkraut. Cover and set in the middle of preheated oven. Simmer slowly for 3 1/2 hours.
- Brown assorted meats in skillet. Bury them in the casserole while the sauerkraut is still braising.
- Continue to simmer in oven for another 1 1/2hours. (5 hours total).
RIESLING-BRAISED SAUERKRAUT AND APPLES
Provided by Kay Rentschler
Categories Fruit Vegetable Side Braise Apple Bacon White Wine Fall Oktoberfest Cabbage Gourmet Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield Makes 6 side-dish servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Cover sauerkraut with cold water by 1 inch in a large bowl and soak 5 minutes, then drain in a colander. Repeat soaking and draining once more, pressing on sauerkraut.
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Peel and core apples and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
- Cook shallot and onion in butter in a 4- to 5-quart pot over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add apples, bacon, wine, broth, thyme, juniper berries, and bay leaf and bring to a simmer, then stir in sauerkraut. Cover pot with foil, then lid, and braise in middle of oven until tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Discard bay leaf.
- Meanwhile, simmer cream and schnapps in a 2-quart saucepan until reduced to about 1 cup, about 40 minutes.
- Add cream mixture, salt, and pepper to sauerkraut and stir well.
- Available at many supermarkets and Penzeys Spices (800-741-7787).
Tips:
- Choose a good quality Riesling wine for braising the sauerkraut. A dry or semi-dry Riesling will work best.
- Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady apples are all good choices.
- Add some juniper berries or caraway seeds to the braising liquid for extra flavor.
- Serve the sauerkraut with roasted pork or chicken, or with mashed potatoes and sausage.
Conclusion:
Riesling braised sauerkraut and apples is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course. With its sweet and sour flavor, it's a perfect fall dish. The Riesling wine adds a depth of flavor to the sauerkraut, while the apples add a touch of sweetness. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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