Best La Petite Choucroute Recipes

SLOW-COOKER CHOUCROUTE

Steps:

• Stud each onion quarter with a clove. Layer the bacon, sauerkraut, garlic, onion quarters, herb sprigs, bay leaves, pork chops, kielbasa, apples, and potatoes in the slow cooker in the order listed, then pour the wine and gin over the top. Cover the cooker and set it on LOW. Cook until the pork is falling off the bones and the potatoes are fork-tender, at least 6 and up to 8 hours.
• Arrange the meats, potatoes, apples, onions, garlic, and sauerkraut on a large platter. Serve with pumpernickel rye bread, mustards, cornichons, and horseradish.

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

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.

LA PETITE CHOUCROUTE

Steps:

• Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until fat begins to melt, about 3 minutes. Add cabbage, onion, pears, caraway and bay leaf. Cook until cabbage wilts and onion is tender, tossing frequently, about 10 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients. Cover and cook until liquids are almost absorbed, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

SHORTCUT CHOUCROUTE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 300 degrees. Core the cabbage; cut it into wide ribbons and scatter in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Drain the sauerkraut and spread it on top of the cabbage. Halve the onions and nestle them among the vegetables. Tuck in the bay leaves and sprinkle with the caraway seeds or juniper berries and lots of black pepper.
• Put the meat and sausages on top of everything and pour in the wine or other liquid. Sprinkle the meat with salt and pepper and cover tightly with foil. Transfer to the oven and cook, undisturbed, for 2 hours.
• Test the pork shoulder by inserting a fork into the thickest part: If it slides out easily, turn the oven up to 450 degrees, leave the pan uncovered and return it to the oven until the meat and the vegetables brown a bit, another 25 to 30 minutes. If the pork isn't fork-tender, re-cover the pan and return it to the oven for another 30 minutes before proceeding.
• To serve, just break the pork into chunks with two forks and set the pan on the table with a serving spoon and plates, plenty of roughly torn baguettes and crocks of mustard and butter. Don't bother removing the bay leaves unless they really bug you.

CHOUCROUTE

Steps:

• Heat a 5-quart Dutch oven or pot over medium-low eat. Melt the duck fat and butter, then add the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and golden but not browned, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, rinse the sauerkraut under hot water to remove excess salt. When it starts to stick to your fingers, drain well and squeeze out as much liquid as possible with your hands.
• Add the sauerkraut, bay leaves, and juniper berries to the onions, season with salt, and stir once. Arrange the knuckles, ribs, and both bacons in the sauerkraut, partially burying them in the mixture. Top with the garlic, then add the wine. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours.
• About 30 minutes before serving, arrange the potatoes in a single layer over the meat. Cover and continue cooking until the potatoes and meat are tender.
• About 20 minutes before serving, place the knacks in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a very gentle simmer and cook until heated through, about 15 minutes. Do not let the water boil or the knacks will explode.
• Transfer the potatoes and meat from the Dutch oven to a large serving platter, let cool slightly, and slice the meat. Transfer the sauerkraut to the platter. Top with the knacks. Serve with mustard and horseradish sauce on the side.