If you enjoy cooking with beer, you will love the wide range of PerfectDraft recipes. You may have already discovered our pork with beer recipe, or explored our banana and beer recipe. In this article, discover an easy and delicious sauerkraut recipe with cabbage cooked in beer!

Ingredients for an easy sauerkraut recipe with cabbage cooked in beer

To successfully prepare this traditional dish, choosing quality ingredients is essential, as recommended by PerfectDraft. Cabbage, the star of this Alsatian recipe, can be either white cabbage or green cabbage. The beer should enhance the flavours rather than overpower them. Opt for a slightly bitter beer that pairs perfectly with the cabbage.

Several types of meat will beautifully complement your sauerkraut:

• Smoked sausages
• Pork belly
• Ham hock

Their texture and rich flavour add depth to the dish. Be careful with spices: juniper berries and gingerbread spices are excellent allies for adding a distinctive aromatic note to your sauerkraut.

PerfectDraft also recommends paying close attention to side dishes, which are key to a successful meal. Potatoes—boiled, roasted or mashed—pair perfectly with the richness of the meat and the slightly spiced notes of the beer. With these ingredients, you are ready to prepare a delicious and authentic easy sauerkraut recipe with cabbage cooked in beer that your guests will truly enjoy.

Detailed preparation steps

According to PerfectDraft, preparation starts with carefully preparing the cabbage.

• If using fresh cabbage, wash it thoroughly, slice it into thin strips and blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes. This reduces bitterness and improves texture. Drain well and set aside.
• In a large saucepan or casserole dish, gently sauté finely chopped onions in a little fat or olive oil until translucent.
• Add the blanched cabbage and stir well, allowing it to cook for a few minutes so the flavours combine.
• Add your chosen spices, adjusting quantities to suit your taste.
• Pour in a generous amount of beer. The beer will cook the cabbage while enriching the entire dish with depth and aroma.
• Add the meats, starting with those that require the longest cooking time.
• Cover and simmer gently for two to three hours.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and adjust seasoning halfway through cooking.

PerfectDraft tips for successfully cooking cabbage

For optimal results, slow cooking is essential. Cooking the cabbage gently allows flavours to develop fully and results in a tender, flavourful dish.

Feel free to adjust the quantity of beer to suit your preferences. For the ideal texture, a balanced ratio of beer to water works very well. To avoid sticking, stir gently using a wooden spoon. PerfectDraft also advises paying close attention to cooking times, which may vary depending on the amount of cabbage and meat used.

Tasting regularly throughout the cooking process is key. This allows you to fine-tune seasoning and achieve perfect flavour balance.

Side dishes and serving sauerkraut, according to PerfectDraft

Now that your easy sauerkraut with cabbage cooked in beer is ready, it’s time to serve it with care. Traditionally, sauerkraut is paired with potatoes, prepared boiled, roasted or mashed. Their mild flavour balances the richness of the meats perfectly. A touch of mustard can also be served to enhance the flavours.

For presentation, arrange the sauerkraut and meats on a large serving dish to encourage sharing. Crusty bread or a rustic baguette is ideal for soaking up the delicious cooking juices. For a festive finishing touch, serve a cold beer—the same one used in cooking—for perfect harmony.

Visit the PerfectDraft online shop and choose your favourite beer style to prepare this easy sauerkraut recipe with cabbage cooked in beer.