I love sauerkraut but I was brought up on it. I understand that it is an acquired taste for many, unless it is on a kraut hotdog, pork sausage or something similar. But I have a recipe for those naysayers that use the hate word when it comes to sauerkraut. I was introduced to the traditional method of making this German side dish by my mom who was born and raised in Germany. I have shared many of my mom’s traditional recipes, but I realized the other day I never shared this one. So here is is easiest recipe you can imagine – so full of flavor! I have brought tears to many an eye with this one… 🙂
Traditional German Sauerkraut Recipe
1 16 oz can of Sauerkraut – completely drained, not rinsed
1 can water
1 cup applesauce or 1 medium apple diced
1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Add all ingredients into a medium sauce pan. Slow cook for 1 hour or so until liquid is almost gone. Serve with pork, sausages or your favorite meat.
Optional – some people enjoy dill in their kraut and others use celery seed. I prefer a little pepper only so the kraut speaks for itself. You can add your favorite spice.
* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may or may not receive a small commission which helps to support this site.
I love Sauerkraut, especially with smoked sausage, mushrooms, and a few bay leaves. I like to make it with some potato & cheese perogies. So good!
THis is such a nice and easy sauerkraut recipe without having to start with raw cabbage, but it should have a home-cooked taste because of the additions and slow cooking. I sometimes add caramelized onions and dill to my version.
I have been wanting to make homemade saurkraut frrom cbbage to finish. There is a lot of German in our heritage and we all love good kraut and its getting tougher to find. This sounds good almost like a Bavaian Kraut with a little sweetness.
It is hard to find Ellen. Making it will spoil you! Enjoy
You surprised me. I never would think of applesauce in sauerkraut. I admit I’m not sure but can’t wait to try. We like sauerkraut and cut up hot dogs to eat in it. My daughter will eat a bowl as a side, but we are used to tangy sauerkraut. This will be fun to try.
Hope you enjoy it. I do love plain kraut on my dogs, but this is so delicious as a side. I think you will love it as much as we do!
So easy and quick if you have just a few cans. Must try this–pinned.