Ingredients
1 yellow onion
1 apple
2 cloves garlic
1 Tbsp cooking oil
19 oz. bratwurst (5 links)
24 oz. sauerkraut
1/4 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp freshly cracked pepper
1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Slice the onion and the apple, and mince the garlic.
Add the cooking oil to a large deep skillet or wide pot. Heat over medium. When the pan and oil are hot, add the bratwurst. Cook on each side until well browned (it does not need to be cooked through at this point). Remove the browned bratwurst to a clean plate.
Add the sliced onions, apples, and garlic to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft.
Drain the sauerkraut and add it to the skillet, along with the caraway seeds, paprika, pepper, and chicken broth. Stir to combine with the apples and onions. Nestle the browned bratwurst down into the sauerkraut.
Place a lid on the pan and allow the broth to come up to a simmer. Lower the heat slightly and continue to simmer the bratwurst in the sauerkraut and broth for 20 minutes, or until the bratwurst is cooked through. Serve hot.
Key Points About Ingredients:
- Bratwurst are fresh pork sausages seasoned with spices like nutmeg and ginger — choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage packed with probiotics and tangy flavor; draining it before adding helps control saltiness in the final dish.
- Adding a diced apple may seem unexpected, but it naturally balances the sauerkraut's acidity with a subtle sweetness that elevates the whole dish.
- Caraway seeds are a traditional pairing with sauerkraut, lending a slightly earthy, anise-like flavor that's quintessentially Central European.
- Using chicken broth instead of water or beer adds a savory depth that ties all the braising flavors together beautifully.
Key Nutritional Insights:
- Each serving provides a substantial amount of protein from the bratwurst, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
- Sauerkraut contributes beneficial probiotics along with a notable dose of vitamin C and fiber to support digestive health.
- This dish is relatively high in sodium due to the sauerkraut and bratwurst; those monitoring sodium intake may wish to rinse the sauerkraut before use.
- The apple and onion add natural sugars and a range of micronutrients including potassium and vitamin C without adding processed ingredients.
- The cooking oil and bratwurst contribute a significant amount of fat, including both saturated and monounsaturated fats, making this a calorie-dense, filling meal.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size1
- Amount per serving
- Calories480
- Standard DV% Daily Value*
- Total Fat35 g72 g48.61%
- Saturated Fat12 g20 g60%
- Trans Fat0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat4 g
- Monounsaturated Fat17 g
- Cholesterol85 mg300 mg28.33%
- Sodium1420 mg2300 mg61.74%
- Total Carbohydrate18 g275 g6.55%
- Dietary Fiber4 g28 g14.29%
- Total Sugars9 g
- Added Sugars0 g50 g0%
- Sugar Alcohal0 g
- Protein22 g50 g44%
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)20 mcg20 mcg100%
- Calcium60 mg1300 mg4.62%
- Iron2 mg18 mg11.11%
- Potassium620 mg4700 mg13.19%
- Vitamin A180 mcg900 mcg20%
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)22 mg90 mg24.44%
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)1 mg15 mg6.67%
- Vitamin K12 mcg120 mcg10%
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)0.5 mg1.2 mg41.67%
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.3 mg1.3 mg23.08%
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)5 mg16 mg31.25%
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)0.5 mg1.7 mg29.41%
- Folate28 mcg400 mcg7%
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)1.2 mcg2.4 mcg50%
- Biotin4 mcg30 mcg13.33%
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)0.8 mg5 mg16%
- Choline85 mg550 mg15.45%
- Phosphorus240 mg1250 mg19.2%
- Iodine6 mcg150 mcg4%
- Magnesium30 mg420 mg7.14%
- Zinc2.5 mg11 mg22.73%
- Selenium22 mcg55 mcg40%
- Copper0.1 mg0.9 mg11.11%
- Manganese0.3 mg2.3 mg13.04%
- Chromium3 mcg35 mcg8.57%
- Molybdenum8 mcg45 mcg17.78%
- Chloride900 mg2300 mg39.13%
