Alsatian Pork And Sauerkraut Food

ALSATIAN PORK AND SAUERKRAUT

Steps:

• Place the bacon in a large, deep pot, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring to turn pieces occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon pieces on a paper towel-lined plate. With a paper towel, wipe the bacon grease out of the pot but keep as much of the brown bits as possible. Stir in the onion, sauerkraut, brown sugar, and chicken broth, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the potatoes and apple slices.
• Place the juniper berries, peppercorns, cloves, parsley, and bay leaf into a small cheesecloth square, and tie the ends together to make a spice bag (or place the spices into a stainless steel tea ball). Place the spice bag into the pot, and add the pork chops and kielbasa sausage pieces. Add more chicken broth, if needed, to just cover the ingredients. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the potatoes are very tender, about 1 hour.
• To serve, use a slotted spoon to remove the sauerkraut, potatoes, and apple slices to the center of a serving platter. Arrange bacon, pork chops, and kielbasa pieces around the outside of the platter.

CHOUCROUTE GARNIE A L'ALSACIENNE (ALSATIAN PORK W/SAUERKRAUT)

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.

ALSATIAN PORK AND SAUERKRAUT

Steps:

• Place the bacon in a large, deep pot, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring to turn pieces occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon pieces on a paper towel-lined plate. With a paper towel, wipe the bacon grease out of the pot but keep as much of the brown bits as possible. Stir in the onion, sauerkraut, brown sugar, and chicken broth, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the potatoes and apple slices.
• Place the juniper berries, peppercorns, cloves, parsley, and bay leaf into a small cheesecloth square, and tie the ends together to make a spice bag (or place the spices into a stainless steel tea ball). Place the spice bag into the pot, and add the pork chops and kielbasa sausage pieces. Add more chicken broth, if needed, to just cover the ingredients. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the potatoes are very tender, about 1 hour.
• To serve, use a slotted spoon to remove the sauerkraut, potatoes, and apple slices to the center of a serving platter. Arrange bacon, pork chops, and kielbasa pieces around the outside of the platter.

ALSATIAN SAUERKRAUT POTATO SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in large saucdepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 8 minutes. Add pork and sage and cook 2-3 minutes longer. Pour in broth and the water. Heat to boiling, skimming surface as needed. Reduce heat to simmer, partially covered, 10 minutes.
• Stir in sauerkraut, potatoes, and beans. Season with salt. Simmer, partially covered, 10 minutes longer. When potatoes soften, mash some against side of pan to thicken soup slightly. Season with pepper and stir in parsley. Serve hot with rye bread.

ALSATIAN CHOUCROUTE GARNI

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.

CHOUCROUTE ALSATIAN

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.