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.
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Sauerkraut and Apples with Bratwurst
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Savory bratwurst and tangy sauerkraut mingle with sweet apples and creamy mashed potatoes. A hearty, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 stick (113 g) butter
- 1 lbs (454 g) potatoes
- 2 tbsp organic apple juice
- salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp (14 g) butter
- 8 bratwurst sausages
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp pepper
- 2 cups (473 ml) organic apple juice
- 1 large onion
- 3 cups (710 ml) sauerkraut
- 1 red baking apple
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.
- 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 apple juice and gently mash. 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 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 more minutes.
- Serve the bratwurst and sauerkraut over the potatoes.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use a combination of butter and oil for cooking the bratwurst.
- To reduce cooking time, use pre-cooked bratwurst and adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 80
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the apple juice with another liquid for the bratwurst stew?
Yes, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute for apple juice, but it will alter the sweetness of the dish.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
For a good balance of sweetness and tartness, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are recommended.
Should I cook the bratwurst before adding them to the sauerkraut and apple mixture?
Yes, browning the bratwurst in a pan before stewing them with the sauerkraut and apple juice helps develop a richer flavor.
