Are you a fan of traditional Alsatian cuisine? Do you love ordering choucroute garnie when visiting Strasbourg or dining in a French restaurant? Why not learn how to prepare this iconic dish at home? We’ve got the perfect Alsatian sauerkraut recipe to help you elevate your cooking skills!
Authentic Alsatian choucroute recipe
Choucroute garnie is a beloved dish in Alsace, with countless recipe variations passed down through generations. If you have friends in Bas-Rhin or Haut-Rhin, they might have their own secrets for preparing it. Additionally, many authentic choucroute recipes can be found online on specialized cooking websites, showcasing the rich diversity of this regional specialty.
To prepare homemade sauerkraut, start with finely grated cabbage. Mix it with coarse salt, juniper berries, and black pepper, then allow it to ferment for a few weeks for proper lactic fermentation. However, if you prefer convenience, ready-made sauerkraut is widely available.
The dish also includes potatoes and a variety of meats, such as Strasbourg or Frankfurt sausages and smoked pork shoulder. The meat is traditionally simmered in a broth infused with thyme, cloves, and bay leaves, while the potatoes and sauerkraut can be cooked separately.
For an authentic touch, the sauerkraut is typically cooked with lard and Alsatian white wine (like Riesling). However, for a unique twist, beer is an excellent alternative!
Which beer to use for cooking choucroute?
Many traditional sauerkraut recipes recommend using lager, known for its balanced bitterness and ability to enhance the dish’s flavors.
For an authentic experience, opt for beers brewed in Alsace. We recommend Fischer Tradition, a classic choice, or Wendelinus, a robust beer with 6.8% alcohol, featuring rich grain and malt flavors—perfect for infusing your choucroute with depth and character.
When serving, feel free to pair your meal with a beer of your choice. We highly recommend Parisis Blonde, a refreshing golden ale available in our online shop!
Now that you know how to prepare and pair your Alsatian choucroute, it’s time to enjoy this hearty, traditional dish with the perfect beer!
Discover other recipes : Recipe for beer-flavoured Epiphany cake and the recipe for a Christmas log in the style of a beer-glazed tiramisu !
