Choucroute Garni

This was Thomas' request for his birthday dinner.  This is our traditional Oktoberfest meal.  We actually came up with it on our own, combining a bunch of different ideas from other recipes we had seen.  We used bratwurst and boneless smoked pork chops, but you can use any type of German sausage that you like.  We also decided that next time we are going to add a couple of peeled, red potatoes to the pot.  Guten Appetit!


Choucroute Garni:
click here for printable version



1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 granny smith apple, grated
1 red potato, grated
2 pounds of sauerkraut, drained
1-14 ounce can chicken broth
1/2 cup Riesling or other white wine
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon butter

2 pounds bratwurst (or any German sausage)
1 pound smoked boneless pork chops, cut into chunks

Melt butter in large Dutch oven and add the bratwurst.
Brown the bratwurst and remove to a plate.
Add the onions and garlic and cook until translucent.
Add the sauerkraut, saute for 3 minutes.
Place cloves and bay leaves in cheesecloth tied with butcher string.
Add the potato, apple, brown sugar, cloves and bay leaves.
Stir, add the bratwurst, pork chops, wine and chicken broth.

Simmer for at least one hour.