Being that fall is nearly here, I had a taste for brats and sauerkraut. However, I also wanted some sweetness without sugar and brats without high fat and sodium.
I opted for ALDI's "Never Any" brand of Apple Chicken Sausage links. Then it hit me...of course! Slow simmered apples and onions with sauerkraut. Then I mixed the two together and achieved my Sweetkraut. I thought it was a new invention, but it actually originated in Bavaria. The difference with mine is select herbs and spices and no bacon fat! Add lean apple infused chicken sausage links, spicy mustard and my Sweetkraut and it's an Oktoberfest feast of delightful flavors! Serves 8.
INGREDIENTS:
2 Gala apples, sliced thin
1 large yellow or sweet onion, sliced thin
1 Tbsp EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
1/4 tsp dry, crushed rosemary
1/4 tsp dry, crushed thyme leaves
1/4 tsp ground sage
1/4 tsp dry, crushed marjoram
A few grinds of the pepper mill
A splash to 2 Tbsp unsalted chicken stock
1 24 oz jar Deutsche Kuche German Style Sauerkraut
DIRECTIONS:
In a large saute pan, add EVOO over medium heat. Add in sliced apples, onions and saute for about 5 minutes.
Add dried, crushed herbs and chicken stock. Stir, reduce heat to low, and simmer, covered for 30 minutes, until the apples are soft.
Empty the jar of sauerkraut and add to the apple/onion mixture. Turn up heat slightly and thoroughly mix to combine and incorporate flavors.
When the blend begins to form a low bubbling boil, return heat to low, cover and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, stirring periodically.
Serve over chicken, lean center-cut pork chops or brats/sausage.