PerfectDraft shows you how to make a wide variety of beers, including its famous rice beer recipe. You can also explore our recipe for beef with gingerbread and beer. In this article, discover the traditional recipe for Alsatian sauerkraut with beer. Combining crunchy sauerkraut, flavourful meats and a carefully selected beer, this iconic dish showcases the authentic tastes of Alsace.
Ingredients for the Alsatian beer sauerkraut recipe
To prepare a delicious beer sauerkraut, PerfectDraft recommends using high-quality ingredients. You will need:
- Raw sauerkraut
- A lager beer (preferably Alsatian)
- Assorted meats (pork chop, pork knuckle, bacon, Strasbourg sausage, knacks)
- Spices: juniper berries, bay leaves, black pepper
- Potatoes
Sauerkraut is the foundation of this traditional recipe. Rich in probiotics, it is a favourite among lovers of comforting cuisine. Choosing a quality beer available from PerfectDraft is essential, as it enhances the flavours of your Alsatian sauerkraut with beer. Carefully selected meats provide texture and depth, while the spices subtly highlight the aromas of the dish.
The different steps for preparing this sauerkraut
Preparing Alsatian sauerkraut with beer is simple, although it requires patience for the flavours to fully develop.
- Rinse the sauerkraut thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt.
- In a large casserole dish, heat a little duck fat or olive oil, then add the sauerkraut and cook gently.
- Add the meats, placing the pork knuckles at the bottom of the dish, as they require longer cooking.
- Add the spices, then pour in a generous amount of PerfectDraft beer.
- Simmer over low heat for around two hours, allowing the sauerkraut to soften and the flavours to blend.
- Check regularly and add beer or water if needed. During the last 30 minutes, add the sausages so they absorb the flavours without drying out.
Serve hot with potatoes for a convivial and typically Alsatian meal.
PerfectDraft tips for a successful recipe
To elevate your Alsatian sauerkraut with beer, the choice of beer is key. Opt for an aromatic beer from PerfectDraft that pairs well with both meat and sauerkraut. Spices also play an important role. In addition to juniper berries and bay leaves, a few peppercorns or a pinch of cumin can add depth and originality.
Slow, gentle cooking is highly recommended. Preparing the dish a day in advance and reheating it the next day will further intensify the flavours. Serving your sauerkraut with a selection of Alsatian breads is also a great way to enhance the experience.
Side dish suggestions
A hearty dish like beer-cooked Alsatian sauerkraut deserves well-chosen accompaniments. Potatoes are essential, whether steamed, mashed or baby potatoes, as their soft texture perfectly complements the richness of the sauerkraut and meats.
A green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balance. Seasonal vegetables such as carrots or Brussels sprouts, steamed or roasted, bring colour and variety to the plate. For beer lovers, serving the same beer used in the recipe creates perfect harmony.
Try this traditional recipe and adapt it to your taste by experimenting with spices and ingredients. To prepare and enjoy your beer sauerkraut, discover the wide selection of beers available in the PerfectDraft online shop.
