Savory Slow-Braised Sauerkraut with Smoky Bacon and Caramelized Onions

Savory Slow-Braised Sauerkraut with Smoky Bacon and Caramelized Onions is a comforting, hearty dish that warms the soul and delights the palate. This recipe combines the tangy flavor of sauerkraut with the richness of smoky bacon and the sweetness of caramelized onions. It’s a wonderful side dish that can also serve as a star meal on its own. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, this savory dish brings a touch of home to your table.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 200
• Protein: 7 grams
• Carbohydrates: 12 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Sodium: 900 mg

Why Make This Savory Slow-Braised Sauerkraut with Smoky Bacon and Caramelized Onions

This dish stands out not just for its delicious flavor profile, but also for its simplicity. The slow-braised cooking method allows the sauerkraut to absorb the smoky notes of bacon and sweet caramel from the onions, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s incredibly satisfying and pairs wonderfully with various main courses like sausages or roasted meats. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy fermented foods, which can be beneficial for gut health.

How to Make Savory Slow-Braised Sauerkraut with Smoky Bacon and Caramelized Onions

Step 1: Preparation

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Thinly slice one medium onion and dice four ounces of smoked bacon. Drain and rinse one pound of sauerkraut. If desired, peel and dice half a cup of apples for an added touch of sweetness.

Step 2: Cooking the Bacon

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Step 3: Caramelizing the Onions

In the same skillet, add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook the onions over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft and caramelized. Be attentive to avoid burning; adjust the heat if needed.

Step 4: Mixing and Braising

Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the drained sauerkraut, one cup of chicken or vegetable broth, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon of caraway seeds, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and one bay leaf. If using, fold in the diced apples. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it braise gently for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more broth if it becomes too dry.

After braising, remove the bay leaf and mix in the reserved crispy bacon. Adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

How to Serve Savory Slow-Braised Sauerkraut with Smoky Bacon and Caramelized Onions

Serve this delicious dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It makes an excellent side for grilled meats, sausages, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. For a complete meal, pair it with crusty bread and a fresh salad.

How to Store Savory Slow-Braised Sauerkraut with Smoky Bacon and Caramelized Onions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Expert Tips for Perfect Savory Slow-Braised Sauerkraut with Smoky Bacon and Caramelized Onions

1. Adjust the Bacon: For a lighter version, reduce the amount of bacon or substitute with turkey bacon.
2. Sweetness Balance: If you prefer a less tangy flavor, you can add a teaspoon of sugar alongside the apples.
3. Different Broth: Experiment with different broths like beef broth for a richer flavor.
4. Herb Infusion: Adding fresh herbs such as thyme during the braising phase enhances the flavor profile even more.
5. Ingredient Variation: Swap sauerkraut for other fermented veggies like kimchi for a twist.

Delicious Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce some heat.
• Caramelized Pears: Instead of apples, try using caramelized pears for a unique flavor combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  Yes, this dish can be made ahead and tastes even better when allowed to sit. Just reheat before serving.

• What can I pair with this dish?
  It pairs perfectly with sausages, pork chops, or even a hearty salad for a balanced meal.

• Can I use fresh sauerkraut instead of canned?
  Absolutely! Just make sure to rinse and drain it well to reduce the acidity.

• Can I omit the bacon completely?
  Yes, you can create a delicious vegetarian version by simply leaving out the bacon or using a meat alternative.

• Is it okay to freeze this dish?
  Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely and store it in airtight containers.

Conclusion

Savory Slow-Braised Sauerkraut with Smoky Bacon and Caramelized Onions is more than just a simple side dish; it celebrates the beautifully tangy flavors of sauerkraut while incorporating the rich notes from bacon and onions. It’s a comforting recipe that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Try it out, savor the deliciousness, and feel the warmth of home in every bite!

Savory Slow-Braised Sauerkraut with Smoky Bacon and Caramelized Onions

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A comforting side dish combining tangy sauerkraut, smoky bacon, and caramelized onions that warms the soul and delights the palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces smoked bacon, diced
• 1 pound sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup apple, diced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate and leave the fat in the pan.
3. In the same skillet, add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until caramelized.
4. Stir in the drained sauerkraut, broth, apple cider vinegar, caraway seeds, black pepper, and bay leaf. If using, fold in diced apples. Bring to a simmer, cover, and braise on low for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove bay leaf and mix in crispy bacon. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Adjust the amount of bacon for a lighter version or substitute with turkey bacon. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg