German Style Kielbasa
This simple yet hearty German-style kielbasa recipe combines sliced sausage with tender apples, tangy sauerkraut, and a touch of brown sugar. Simmered together, these ingredients create a comforting and flavorful dish with a balanced sweet and sour profile, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven For simmering the ingredients
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef's knife For prepping apples and sausage
- 1 Measuring Cups/Spoons For brown sugar
- 1 Wooden Spoon For stirring
Ingredients
Main
- 6 apples - peeled cored and chopped
- 1 32 ounce package sauerkraut
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 pounds kielbasa sausage sliced
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces, aiming for consistent size for even cooking.
- Slice the kielbasa sausage into rounds or half-moons of your desired thickness, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped apples, sliced kielbasa, the entire package of sauerkraut (undrained if you prefer a stronger tang), and the brown sugar.
- Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the brown sugar is well distributed and everything is evenly mixed.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes.
- Continue to simmer until the apples are tender, and all the flavors have melded together beautifully.
- Stir periodically during the simmering process to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; a pinch of salt or a bit more brown sugar can help balance the flavors to your preference.
- Serve the German-style kielbasa hot as a standalone dish or as a comforting accompaniment to mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Notes
To enhance this hearty German-style dish, consider rinsing the sauerkraut if you prefer a milder tang, or keep it as is for a bolder flavor. For added complexity, incorporate a teaspoon of caraway seeds or a bay leaf during simmering. Ensure the apples are tender but not mushy, maintaining some textural integrity. A quick sear on the kielbasa slices before combining can add a desirable depth of flavor and slight crispness. This dish pairs excellently with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty rye bread.