Kasseler mit Sauerkraut: Smoked pork with sauerkraut.
Kasseler mit Sauerkraut is a traditional German dish that features smoked pork chops known as Kasseler, accompanied by tangy and fermented sauerkrait. The pork is usually gently simmered to enhance its smoky flavor and to tenderize the meat, while the sauerkraut is seasoned with onions, apples, juniper berries, and bay leaves for a robust flavor combination. It's a hearty meal that combines the richness of the pork with the sour crispness of the sauerkraut, creating a balance on the palate. This dish is often served with boiled or mashed potatoes and mustard on the side. Kasseler mit Sauerkraut is a comforting and satisfying meal, especially popular during the colder months for its warming properties.
Introduction:
Embark on a culinary journey to the past with Grandma's Hearty Sauerkraut, Kassler, and Potato Casserole. A treasured family recipe brought to life from the kitchen of CALLEkocht, this comforting dish combines homemade sauerkraut, savory smoked pork (Kassler), and creamy potatoes into an oven-baked delight. Perfect for gatherings and satisfying enough to relish over two days, let's recreate this rustic classic and infuse your kitchen with the aromas of tradition.
Ingredients:
- 1.2 kg Kassler (smoked pork neck), cut into large cubes
- 1.2 kg floury potatoes, grated
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- Salt (to taste; adjust according to the saltiness of the Kassler)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Homemade sauerkraut (about half the volume of the potatoes)
- Cloves and bay leaves (for seasoning the sauerkraut)
- Approximately 1 to 1.5 liters of well-seasoned vegetable broth
- Oil, for sautéing
- Optional: Additional herbs or spices to taste
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
Equipment:
- Large sauté pan
- Casserole dish
- Grater (or food processor with grating attachment)
- Oven
Servings: 8
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. In a large sauté pan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the cubed Kassler and sweat lightly just to infuse warmth, not to brown it.
3. As the Kassler sweats, finely chop the onion. Once the Kassler has warmed through, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
4. In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary and sauté the onions until translucent.
5. Prepare the grated potatoes and have them ready, taking care not to let them brown and oxidize.
6. In a casserole dish, create a layer with half of the grated potatoes.
7. Add half of the Kassler and onion mixture on top of the potato layer.
8. Spread half the sauerkraut over the Kassler. The sauerkraut should be seasoned with cloves and bay leaves for a traditional flavor.
9. Repeat with another layer of the remaining potatoes, followed by the rest of the Kassler and onion mix, and top with the remaining sauerkraut.
10. Season with black pepper. Avoid adding salt until you've tasted the layers as Kassler and sauerkraut both contain salt.
11. Pour enough vegetable broth over the casserole to come halfway up the sides of the dish. You may need up to a liter, but add gradually to ensure it doesn’t become too liquid.
12. Place a lid on the casserole or cover it with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
13. Remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, until the potatoes are tender and have absorbed the vegetable broth, creating a slight binding with the other ingredients.
14. The casserole is done when it bubbles at the edges and the top layer is golden and crisp.
15. Serve hot and enjoy the melting textures of Kassler and the comforting tang of the sauerkraut.
Cooking Tip:
This casserole tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together overnight. Make sure to store any leftovers properly and reheat them thoroughly before serving.
Recipe brought to you by CALLEkocht - Grandma's Recipes. Dive deeper into Grandma's kitchen by visiting https://www.youtube.com/@CALLEkocht.
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YouTube channel - CALLEkocht - Grandma's Recipes: https://www.youtube.com/@CALLEkocht
Kasseler mit Sauerkraut: Smoked pork with sauerkraut.
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