Apples with Bratwurst and Sauerkraut might just be the ultimate comfort food recipe. The brats are browned in a pan then stewed with sauerkraut and apple juice. Apple slices are popped in at the end for a touch of sweetness.
We’re taking the traditional combination of bratwurst and sauerkraut and adding the sweetness of apples to create a perfect balance of flavors.
Apart from its obvious deliciousness, this dish also has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Sauerkraut, which is finely shredded cabbage fermented by various lactic acid bacteria, was a staple food for sailors in the 18th century as it is a great source of vitamin C and helps prevent scurvy. Today, sauerkraut is a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes, particularly in Germany and Eastern Europe.
Here, we’re taking sauerkraut to the next level by adding the sweetness of apples, creating a perfect balance of flavors that adds another dimension to the dish. The bratwurst, a type of German sausage made from pork or veal, adds a satisfying meaty textur, and the mashed potatoes, made with organic apple juice, add a comforting sweet side to the meal.
Sauerkraut and Apples with Bratwurst
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For potatoes
- 1/2 stick butter, room temperature, cut into cubes
- 1 lb. potatoes (diced (can sub sweet potatoes))
- 2 tbsp organic apple juice
- salt and pepper to taste
For sausages and sauerkraut
- 1 tablespoon butter (use ghee for Whole30)
- 8 bratwurst sausages
- 3/4 teaspoon each: salt and pepper
- 2 cups organic apple juice
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 3 cups sauerkraut (drained)
- 1 red baking apple (sliced)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large, non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the bratwurst and cook until brown on both sides, about 10 minutes.
- While the bratwurst are browning, place the diced potatoes or sweet potatoes in a medium-sized pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain then add the salt, pepper, butter and 2 tablespoons of the North Coast Organic Apple Juice and gently mash. You want to keep some chunks.
- When the bratwurst is brown on both sides, remove it from the pan then add the onion. Cook until the onion begins to brown then add the sauerkraut and mix well. Add the bratwurst to the pan then pour the remaining 2 cups of Apple Juice over the top. Cover the pan and cook for 20 minutes. Remove the cover and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the pan is mostly dry.
- Nestle the apple slices around the bratwurst and cook for 5 minutes more.
- Serve the bratwurst and sauerkraut over the potatoes.
Notes
The best apples for this recipe are gala, ambrosia, or fuji. A scoop of sour cream on the side makes this extra awesome.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main, Side
- Cuisine: American, German, German-inspired
Keywords: bratwurst, comfort food, sauerkraut, sausage, winter food
