Best Alsatian Choucroute Garni Recipes

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ALSATIAN CHOUCROUTE GARNI



Alsatian Choucroute Garni image

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

1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
1 teaspoon whole juniper berries
4 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon whole caraway seeds
2 dried bay leaves
6 garlic cloves, crushed
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 pound double-smoked bacon, cut into 1-inch-thick slices
1/2 pound fresh bacon or salt pork (in 1 piece)
1 1/4 pounds smoked pork butt, sliced crosswise into 1-inch-thick pieces
4 pounds fresh sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
1 bottle (750 mL) dry Riesling
8 medium red or Yukon gold potatoes, or a combination (about 1 1/2 pounds total), peeled if desired
8 small carrots, peeled
3 coarse-textured smoked pork sausages, such as Hungarian kielbasa, bauerwurst, or smoked bratwurst (12 ounces total)
3 fine-textured pork-and-beef sausages, such as knockwurst or frankfurters (12 ounces total)
3 mild-spiced fine-textured white vealand-pork sausages, such as weisswurst or bockwurst (12 ounces total)
Fresh parsley sprigs, for garnish
Variety of mustards, for serving

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 GARNIE à L'ALSACIENNE (ALSATIAN BRAISED SAUERKRAUT WITH MIXED MEATS AND SAUSAGES) RECIPE



Choucroute Garnie à l'Alsacienne (Alsatian Braised Sauerkraut With Mixed Meats and Sausages) Recipe image

Meat and sauerkraut: It's a combo we all know and love, but no version takes it to such exalted heights as Alsatian choucroute garnie. Making it requires knowing a thing or two about all the cuts of meat involved and how best to handle them. This recipe will ensure that your lean cuts don't dry out and that your tough ones become meltingly tender.

Provided by Daniel Gritzer

Categories     Mains     Sausage

Time 4h15m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound (450g) boneless pork loin
1 pound (450g) boneless pork shoulder
Kosher salt
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (90ml) lard, goose fat, duck fat, or vegetable oil, divided
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 12 ounces; 350g total)
2 cups (480ml) dry white wine, such as Riesling or Silvaner (see note)
1 cup (240ml) homemade chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
1 cheesecloth sachet containing 2 crushed medium cloves garlic, 10 juniper berries, 2 cloves, 1/2 teaspoon caraway seed, and 2 bay leaves
1 pound (450g) slab bacon
1 ham hock (about 3/4 pound; 340g)
1 (8-ounce; 225g) piece salt pork from the belly or side (not fatback; optional)
5 pounds (2.25kg) good-quality store-bought or homemade sauerkraut, drained
1 1/2 pounds (680g) mixed French- and/or German-style emulsified sausages, such as frankfurters, bratwurst, weisswurst, boudin blanc, boudin noir, or knackwurst
2 smoked pork chops (about 1 1/4 pounds; 560g total)
5 small Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, halved, and simmered in salted water until tender
2 tablespoons (30ml) kirsch (cherry brandy; optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). In a large Dutch oven, heat 1/4 cup (60ml) goose fat (or duck fat, lard, or oil) over medium-low heat until shimmering. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until softened but not browned, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, Cook Pork Loin: Place pork loin in a small ovenproof skillet or on a rimmed baking sheet and cook on a separate rack in oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted in center registers 120°F (49°C), about 1 hour. Set aside.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1074 kcal, Carbohydrate 43 g, Cholesterol 239 mg, Fiber 10 g, Protein 72 g, SaturatedFat 24 g, Sodium 5448 mg, Sugar 9 g, Fat 66 g, ServingSize Serves 8 to 10, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

CHOUCROUTE GARNI



Choucroute Garni image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 pound slab bacon, chopped
4 large bratwurst
4 (1-inch) pork chops, bone-in (about 1 pound)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 pounds sauerkraut, drained
1 medium potato, peeled and grated
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
4 juniper berries
3 tablespoons brown sugar, or to taste
1 (16-ounce) can low-sodium chicken stock
1/2 cup Riesling
Water to almost cover

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a large Dutch oven or oven-proof pot with lid, saute the bacon until browned. Remove the bacon and all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease. Brown the bratwurst and the pork chops on all sides, then set them aside. Add the onion and saute until translucent. Add the sauerkraut and saute 5 minutes. Add the potato, caraway seeds, juniper berries and the brown sugar and stir to combine. Place the browned bratwurst and pork chops on top of the sauerkraut mixture. Add the chicken stock, Riesling and water. Place lid on top and bake for 45 minutes.

ALSATIAN CHOUCROUTE



Alsatian Choucroute image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

6 pounds sauerkraut
4 ounces duck fat
1 large onion, julienned
1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
4 bay leaves
1-ounce juniper berries
1/2 bunch thyme
1 (750 ml) bottle Reisling wine
1 pound smoked bacon
8 pieces ham shanks (cured and salted)
1-quart chicken stock
8 large red bliss potatoes
4 pieces Weisswurst (veal and chicken sausage)
4 pieces Bauernwurst (salted smoked pork sausage
8 pieces Weiner (hot dog)
8 pieces smoked pork chop, cooked
Dijon mustard, for serving

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)



Choucroute Garnie a L'alsacienne (Alsatian Pork W/Sauerkraut) image

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

4 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) can sauerkraut, drained
1 -2 tablespoon packed brown sugar
2 medium potatoes, cut into fourths
2 tart apples, sliced
12 juniper berries (optional)
6 black peppercorns
2 whole cloves
1 sprig parsley
1 bay leaf
4 smoked pork chops, 1/2-inch thick
4 frankfurters, slashed diagonally
2 cups chicken broth

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 GARNIE



Choucroute Garnie image

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     dinner, casseroles, main course

Time 3h30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 1/2 pounds bulk sauerkraut
2 ounces salt pork or slab bacon, in large dice
2 cups finely chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 tart apple, peeled, cored and grated
1 1/2 cups chicken stock,approximately
2 cups dry white wine
1 bay leaf
6 whole black peppercorns
4 whole cloves
8 juniper berries
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
2 pounds garlic sausage or other sausage, fresh or smoked
1 1/2 pounds boneless smoked pork tenderloin, sliced 1/2 inch thick
1/2 pound Black Forest or Virginia ham, sliced 1/8 inch thick
6 medium-size Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
Dijon mustard for serving

Steps:

  • Drain sauerkraut, reserving juice. Rinse in two changes of cold water, wring out well, and set aside. Heat oven to 325 degrees.
  • In a large casserole,at least 5 quarts,cook salt pork or bacon over medium heat until golden. Remove,draining well.Leave fat in casserole. Add onions and carrots, and saute until soft. Add garlic and apple, and cook, stirring, several minutes. Add sauerkraut, and return pork or bacon to casserole, tucking it into sauerkraut. Add stock and wine. Bring to a simmer.
  • Add bay leaf, peppercorns, cloves and juniper berries. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover,and bake 2 hours.
  • Tuck sausages into sauerkraut. If sauerkraut looks dry, add stock. If sauerkraut needs more bite, add a little reserved juice. Cover,and bake 20 minutes.
  • Place smoked pork on sauerkraut. Cut ham slices in half, and add them to top. Cover with parchment cut to fit inside casserole and placed directly on ingredients. Cover pot,and return to oven 15 minutes.
  • While meats cook, simmer potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain.
  • Serve choucroute directly from casserole, placing potatoes on top first. Or spread sauerkraut on a platter, and top with meats and potatoes. Serve with mustard.

CHOUCROUTE GARNIE



Choucroute Garnie image

Categories     Pork     Potato     Bake     Sauté     Super Bowl     White Wine     Fall     Winter     Oktoberfest     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 3/4 pounds smoked meaty ham hocks
1 pound fully cooked bratwurst
8 ounces thick-sliced bacon strips, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
2 large onions, chopped
1teaspoon juniper berries (optional)
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
10 whole cloves
8 whole allspice
3 bay leaves
3 Red Delicious apples, unpeeled, cored, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 2-pound jars sauerkraut, squeezed dry
2 pounds fully cooked kielbasa, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
1 pound fully cooked knockwurst
2 cups Alsatian Pinot Blanc or other dry white wine
2 pounds small red-skinned potatoes
2/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
Assorted mustards
Prepared white horseradish

Steps:

  • Place ham hocks in large saucepan. Add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until meat is very tender, about 2 hours. Transfer hocks to medium bowl. Boil broth until reduced to 2 cups, about 15 minutes. Remove meat from bones; discard bones. Place hock meat in medium bowl. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover hock meat and broth separately; chill.)
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add bratwurst and bacon. Sauté until bacon is crisp and bratwurst is brown, about 10 minutes. Place in bowl with hock meat.
  • Add onions, spices and bay leaves to same pot. Sauté until onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Add apples; sauté 2 minutes. Mix in sauerkraut. Add all meats; press to submerge. Add reserved broth and wine. Boil 10 minutes. Cover choucroute and bake 1 1/2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, cook potatoes in pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 18 minutes. Drain; cool slightly. Cut potatoes in half. Dip cut sides into parsley. Arrange sauerkraut and meats on platter. Surround with potatoes. Serve with mustards and horseradish.

Alsatian Choucroute Garni is a classic French dish that has been a staple in the Alsace region for centuries. The dish is a savory blend of sauerkraut, sausages, smoked meats, and potatoes. Its unique take on a traditional sauerkraut dish has made it a favorite among food lovers all over the world.

The Origins of Alsatian Choucroute Garni

Alsatian Choucroute Garni is the quintessential dish of the Alsace region in France. Its origins can be traced back to the 16th century when sauerkraut became a popular food in the region. Sauerkraut was a staple food in Alsace because it could be stored for long periods of time and provided much-needed nutrients during the harsh winter months. Over time, locals began to add different meats to the sauerkraut, creating a hearty and delicious dish that became known as Choucroute Garni. The dish became so popular that it was soon adopted as a staple meal in the region, and to this day, it remains a beloved dish both in Alsace and all over France.

What Makes Alsatian Choucroute Garni So Special?

The sauerkraut used in Alsatian Choucroute Garni is a special variety that is fermented for several weeks, giving it a unique tangy flavor. The sauerkraut is then cooked with a variety of meats, including smoked ham, sausages, and pork belly, which are all simmered together with onions, garlic, and herbs. The dish is typically served with boiled potatoes, which are used to soak up all of the delicious juices from the sauerkraut and meats. The combination of flavors and textures makes Alsatian Choucroute Garni a comforting and satisfying meal that has stood the test of time.

How to Make Alsatian Choucroute Garni at Home

Making Alsatian Choucroute Garni at home is easy and requires only a few simple ingredients. Here are the ingredients needed:
  • 1 large jar of sauerkraut
  • 6 smoked sausages
  • 1 pound of smoked ham
  • 1 pound of pork belly
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of juniper berries
  • 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds
  • 1 tablespoon of black pepper
  • 1 cup of dry white wine
  • 4 cups of chicken stock
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 pound of boiled potatoes, peeled and halved
  • Salt to taste
Step 1: Sauté the onions and garlic
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until they are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the sauerkraut and spices
Add the sauerkraut, juniper berries, caraway seeds, and black pepper to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the sauerkraut is coated in the onion and garlic mixture.
Step 3: Add the meats and liquids
Add the smoked ham, smoked sausages, and pork belly to the pot, and mix well. Pour in the white wine and chicken stock, and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours.
Step 4: Boil the potatoes
While the sauerkraut is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and halved potatoes and boil until they are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Once the sauerkraut and meats have simmered for 2 hours, remove from the heat and discard the bay leaf. Serve the sauerkraut and meats in bowls, along with the boiled potatoes.

Conclusion

Alsatian Choucroute Garni is a classic French dish that has stood the test of time. Its unique flavor, texture, and blend of meats and sauerkraut make it a beloved favorite among food lovers all over the world. Although it may take a few hours to prepare, it's well worth the effort for a delicious and hearty meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Alsatian Choucroute Garni is a traditional dish that is a must-try when traveling to the region of Alsace in France. The dish is mainly composed of sauerkraut, potatoes, and a variety of meats such as sausages, bacon, and ham. The combination of the sauerkraut together with the meats gives the dish its unique taste and aroma which makes it very popular among the locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will provide valuable tips that you can use when making your own authentic Alsatian Choucroute Garni recipe.

Tip 1: Choose the right sauerkraut

The use of sauerkraut is essential when making Alsatian Choucroute Garni. It is important to note that not all sauerkraut is created equal. Hence, it is important to choose the right type of sauerkraut that will give your dish the right flavor and texture. It is recommended that you choose the refrigerated sauerkraut rather than the canned or jarred ones. This is because the refrigerated sauerkraut is less processed and more flavorful compared to the canned ones.

Tip 2: Use the right cuts of meat

The meats that are commonly used in Alsatian Choucroute Garni are sausages, bacon, and ham. It is important to choose the right cuts of meat to ensure that they complement the dish well. The sausages used can either be smoked or unsmoked and come in various types such as knackwurst, boudin blanc, and Montbéliard sausage. Bacon can be used to add smokiness to the dish while ham can add a salty and savory flavor.

Tip 3: Add the right spices

The use of spices is important when making this dish as it adds depth and complexity to the flavor. The most commonly used spices are bay leaves, juniper berries, and cloves. Bay leaves are used to add a subtle sweetness to the dish. Juniper berries are used to give the dish a slightly bitter and woody taste while cloves are used to add a warm and sweet flavor.

Tip 4: Add white wine to give the dish a unique taste

White wine is often added when making Alsatian Choucroute Garni as it gives the dish a unique taste. The acidity from the wine helps to balance out the richness of the dish and makes it more flavorful. It is recommended that you use a dry white wine such as Riesling, Sylvaner or Pinot Blanc.

Tip 5: Use the right type of potatoes

The type of potatoes used in Alsatian Choucroute Garni is important as it affects the texture of the dish. The most commonly used potatoes are waxy potatoes such as Yukon Gold, Red Bliss, or Fingerling. These types of potatoes have a creamy texture that complements the sauerkraut well.

Tip 6: Cook the sauerkraut and meats separately

It is recommended that you cook the sauerkraut and meats separately to ensure that they are cooked evenly. The sauerkraut should be simmered for at least 1 hour in white wine and water before adding the meats. The meats should be boiled separately and then added to the sauerkraut only towards the end of the cooking time.

Tip 7: Serve the dish with mustard, pickles, and potatoes

When serving Alsatian Choucroute Garni, it is common to serve it with mustard, pickles, and potatoes. The mustard adds a tangy and spicy flavor to the dish while the pickles add a contrast in texture and flavor. The potatoes, on the other hand, complement the sauerkraut and meats well and provide a balance in texture.
Conclusion
Alsatian Choucroute Garni is a traditional dish that is full of flavor and unique taste. By following the tips provided above, you can create an authentic version of this dish at home. Remember to choose the right sauerkraut, meat, and potatoes, and to add the right spices and white wine to give your dish the perfect taste. Finally, don't forget to serve it with mustard, pickles, and potatoes to complete the dish.

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