Choucroute Garnie

Choucroute Garnie is a regional speciality of Austria, Germany and Northern Italy. It’s a celebration of porcine meats for sure, but also sauerkraut, which mellows wonderfully from the long cooking and sweetness of the apple and meats. Even Mrs WDC approves! Balance the meats and sausages according to your taste and appetite. So, to make the Choucroute Garnie: 

1. Lightly rinse the sauerkraut and drain.
2. Chop the onion, peel and slice the carrot into thick slices, peel and cut the apple into thick slices. Peel the potatoes and cut into medium-sized pieces.
3. Heat a large casserole on a medium heat. Add the lard and sweat the onions and carrots for 10 minutes.
4. Add the pork belly slices, juniper berries, caraway seed and bay leaves, and cook for a further 10 minutes.
5. Increase the heat to medium high and add the wine and let it boil to evaporate the alcohol.
6. Add the sauerkraut, apples, apple juice and water. Cover the casserole with the lid ajar and bring to a simmer, then turn the heat to low and cook slowly for 30 minutes.
7. Add the potatoes, bring to a quick simmer and cook for 15 minutes with the lid closed on the casserole.
8. Add remaining meats and sausages and cook for a further 30 minutes with the lid ajar. Check to ensure the sausages and potatoes are cooked through and that the liquid has been absorbed into the dish. Adjust the heat and timings as necessary, or by adding more water if it looks to be drying out. NB: if you are using salted cured meats – ascertain if they need to be soaked first (depending on nature of curing). They may need pre-boiling to help remove excess salt. Check your packaging or consult with your butcher or delicatessen attendant.
9. Serve on a large platter. Lay the sauerkraut and vegetables down first and place the meats around and on top.
10. Mustard, bread and German beer or white Alsatian wine are good accompaniments.

If you like Dad’s choucroute garnie recipe, you may also like: Weisswurst, Shanks, Hocks, Knuckles, Shins and Legs or German Hot Dog.