In the realm of Alsatian cuisine, arguably one of the most iconic dishes is choucroute alsatian. This hearty and flavorful dish, consisting of sauerkraut, meats, and potatoes, has its roots in the region's rich culinary heritage and is a beloved staple among locals and visitors alike. The preparation of choucroute alsatian is an art form in itself, with variations existing from family to family. This article delves into the essence of this Alsatian specialty, exploring the different elements that come together to create a truly exceptional choucroute alsatian experience. From selecting the perfect sauerkraut, to choosing the right combination of meats, to mastering the art of slow-cooking, we'll guide you through the steps of creating an authentic and unforgettable choucroute alsatian, fit for any occasion.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
ALSATIAN CHOUCROUTE GARNI
Choucroute garni combines the smoky flavors of several sorts of sausage, pork butt, and thick-cut bacon with the pungent perfume of sauerkraut, bay leav es, juniper berries, and caraway seeds.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Make a spice bundle: Place spices, bay leaves, and garlic on a square of cheesecloth; tie into bundle with kitchen twine.
- Heat oil in a very large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add bacon, pork butt, and spice bundle. Cover with sauerkraut. Add wine and enough water to come 1 inch below sauerkraut. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover, and simmer 45 minutes.
- Add potatoes and carrots. Cover; cook until almost tender, about 20 minutes.
- Using a skewer or the tip of a paring knife, poke a few holes into each sausage to prevent them from bursting. Place kielbasa in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, turning often, until browned, about 8 minutes. Put all sausages into the Dutch oven; cover, and cook until heated through, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer sausages and vegetables to a plate. Drain sauerkraut, and arrange on a serving platter. Arrange sausages and vegetables on top. Garnish with parsley, and serve with mustards.
ALSATIAN CHOUCROUTE
Provided by Food Network
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Wash sauerkraut thoroughly, put aside. In a rondeau melt the duck fat and saute the onion until tender, add garlic bay leaves, juniper berries and thyme. Saute until golden brown, deglaze with Reisling wine. Add 1/2 of the sauerkraut, place bacon slab and ham shanks in the middle and then top with remaining sauerkraut. Pour chicken stock over making sure it covers the sauerkraut (if not enough, add water). Cover the pan with foil and place in a preheated 350 degrees oven for 1 1/2 hours. Wash red bliss potatoes and steam whole for 30 to 40 minutes. Peel potatoes and set aside. Cut sausages in half and warm in boiling water. Place pork chops in oven to warm. Take sauerkraut out of the oven and remove bacon and ham shanks. Slice the bacon in half. Remove pork chops out of oven. Place sauerkraut in the center of a large oval tray, place all meats around sauerkraut, place bacon and ham shanks, on top of sauerkraut. Place warm potatoes around with the meat, Serve Dijon mustard on the side.
CHOUCROUTE GARNIE A L'ALSACIENNE (ALSATIAN PORK W/SAUERKRAUT)
Make and share this Choucroute Garnie a L'alsacienne (Alsatian Pork W/Sauerkraut) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Member 610488
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook and stir bacon and onion in Dutch oven or 12-inch skillet until bacon is crisp; drain. Stir in sauerkraut and brown sugar. Add potatoes and apples.
- Tie juniper berries, peppercorns, cloves, parsley and bay leaf in cheesecloth bag or place in tea ball; add to sauerkraut.
- Add pork chops and frankfurters. Pour chicken broth over meat.
- Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until meat is done and potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Remove spice bag.
- Remove sauerkraut, potatoes and apples to large platter with slotted spoon. Arrange meat around edge.
CHOUCROUTE ALSATIAN
Provided by James Beard
Categories Pork Carrot White Wine Winter House & Garden
Yield Serves 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine the sauerkraut, caraway seeds, peppercorns or cracked pepper and carrots. Place in the bottom of a large kettle. Arrange the pork butt slices and the shoulder chops over the top of the sauerkraut. Add the wine and salt, cover tightly and cook over very low heat 2-3 hours. This dish tastes best if cooked a day ahead, as it should be prepared at least 6 hours before serving time and allowed to stand. Reheat, adding knockwurst, approximately 20 minutes before serving. Serve with boiled or mashed potatoes.
Tips:
- Choose the right cabbage. Fresh, firm cabbage is essential for making choucroute. Look for heads that are heavy for their size and have tightly packed leaves. Avoid cabbage that is wilted or has brown spots.
- Shred the cabbage thinly. This will help the sauerkraut ferment evenly and quickly. You can use a food processor or a sharp knife to shred the cabbage.
- Use a variety of spices. The traditional spices used in choucroute are juniper berries, caraway seeds, and bay leaves. You can also add other spices, such as cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, to taste.
- Ferment the sauerkraut for at least 3 weeks. This will give the sauerkraut time to develop its full flavor and probiotics. You can ferment the sauerkraut at room temperature or in a cool place, such as a cellar or refrigerator.
- Rinse the sauerkraut before cooking. This will remove any excess salt. You can also soak the sauerkraut in water for 30 minutes before cooking to reduce the sourness.
- Cook the sauerkraut with a variety of meats and vegetables. Traditional choucroute is made with pork, sausage, and potatoes. You can also add other meats, such as chicken or beef, and vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onions.
Conclusion:
Choucroute is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a great way to use up leftover cabbage and other vegetables. It is also a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make your own choucroute at home.
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