Bratwurst is my obsession. I don’t think I have ever told you. It doesn’t matter how many times I eat it; it’s still the best thing I have ever eaten. Sauerkraut is also a favourite of mine. It’s a mystery why it took so long for me to combine Sauerkraut and Bratwurst. It’s a classic! It’s a classic! It’s easy, and the leftovers are delicious, making it an instant winner in our household.
WHAT IS BRATWURST?
Bratwurst, a German-style sausage, is made from pork and occasionally veal. It is delicious and juicy and can be prepared on an open grill or roasted in the oven.
There are many types of bratwurst in Germany. However, there is a variable depending on where you live. In the United States, you will find either regular bratwurst or beer bratwurst (or “beer brats” as commonly known). This recipe will use both types.
Bratwurst can be found in your grocery store’s fresh meat section, next to Italian sausage. Johnsonville brats can be found in most grocery stores. However, I also like ALDI’s brand of bratwurst.
What kind of sauerkraut should I use?
I used German-style sauerkraut that I bought in a jar from ALDI’s Deutsche Kuche. But you can also use refrigerated sauerkraut. This dish would be great with flavoured sauerkraut like jalapeno or garlic. Red cabbage sauerkraut is the only type I recommend avoiding. The colour will likely bleed-through and make everything look blue-ish.
HOW TO SERVE BRATWURST & SAUERKRAUT
I would serve bratwurst with sauerkraut in two main ways: The first is in toasted buns with delicious, grainy mustard and some German Potato Salad. On a second plate, sauerkraut on the bed and either mashed potatoes or potato salad. Grab a cold German Beer while you are at it! 🙂
BRATWURST & SAUERKRAUT
A delicious bratwurst is a tasty way to enjoy this German sausage. It can be simmered in sweet sauerkraut, onions, sweet apples, and broth.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 1 yellow onion ($0.28)
- 1 apple* ($0.41)
- 2 cloves of garlic ($0.16)
- 1 Tbsp of cooking oil ($0.04)
- 19 oz. bratwurst (5 links) ($3.49)
- 24 oz. sauerkraut ($1.69)
- 1/4 tsp caraway seeds (optional) ($0.02)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ($0.02)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper ($0.02)
- 1 cup chicken broth ($0.13)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cut the onion and apple into slices, then mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet or large pot, add the oil. Heat on medium heat. Once the oil and pan are hot, add bratwurst. Each side should be cooked until golden brown. It does not have to be cooked to the core. Transfer the bratwurst onto a plate.
- Sauté the garlic, onions, and apples in the pan for 5 minutes or until softened.
- Add the sauerkraut to the skillet and the chicken broth, caraway seeds, paprika and pepper. Mix the onions and apples. Incorporate the browned bratwurst into the sauerkraut.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the broth simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer the bratwurst for 20 minutes in the sauerkraut broth. Serve immediately
NOTES
*You can use sweet apples to complement the sour sauerkraut. I used a Gala Apple.