European 'Kraut, Brats and BEER (Sauerkraut and Sausage) - 52 Cooking with Beer and Simple Recipes

All right, as always when cooking with beer I suggest using "real" full bodied beer.  Something with a little extra taste.  That's the polite way of saying do not use light beer.

As with vegetables, I like to shop local.  My hometown brewery is Boulevard Brewing company.  Currently hey are trying something new.  In their multi pack (variety box of 12 bottles) they are adding 6 bottles of 2 f their best selling brands (Boulevard Pale Ale and Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat).  But they are also adding 2 beers that are only available in their tasting room (if you visit the brewery) or in the variety pack.  Pretty cool way to try something new.

In the current box they are making a "Mid-Coast IPA" beer available.  IPAs are among the most popular of the new style brews.  This particular beer is full of Hops (if you ever wondered what Hops do to a beer, take a taste of this).  Hops are used to balance the flavors of sweet and bitter in a beer.  Ever had a sweet beer... It's probably low in hops. Ever had a beer with a bite... it probably has more hops.

That extra bite makes a hoppy beer something wonderful to cook with.  Adds LOTS of flavors!

This recipe is simple... FAST and delicious.  the sauerkraut and onion is simmered in the beer, allowing the flavors to infuse and mix deliciously.  And of course by braising the sausage in beer just intensifies those tastes.

It's a one-pot dish, ready in minutes, beautifully colored (once you add a little fresh green herbs) and the taste is fantastically European... AND EASY.

You will Simmer the vegetables (onion and Sauerkraut) in beer and at the same time, braise the sausage slices in the beer as the liquid reduces.

4 ingredients (plus a bottle of beer), only a few minutes of cooking. infused flavors and DELICIOUS!  Think lunch in a German beer garden!

OK... Here's what I did...

European
'Kraut, Brats and BEER

Ingredients

• 1 Pound Smoked Summer Sausage, SLiced into bite size pieces (Any of the sausage family would work... try Polish Sausage)
• 2 TBS Butter
• 1 Can Sauerkraut, Drained
• 1 Medium Red Onion, sliced into thin half moon strips
• 1 Bottle BEER, full flavored, I used Boulevard
• Minced Fresh Parsley for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. In a large Saute pan, add 2 TBS Butter, melt over medium heat.
2. Add the Onions and saute for about 5 minutes, until the onions just start to soften and turn translucent.
3. Add the beer and set heat to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the Sauerkraut (be sure to drain well) and mix
5. Add the sausage slice on top of the simmering onion/kraut. DO NOT mix yet, just allow the sausage to steam and braise on top of the mix.
6. The beer will reduce. as soon as you see most of the beer has simmered out (about 10-15 minutes), mix everything together, onions, kraut and the sausage.
7. Saute for another 5 minutes.
8. Plate, garnish with the green herbs, serve HOT and ENJOY!

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So,  I am pleased to list this as one of my Growing list of  "52 Cooking With BEER Recipes"!!!

Everyone knows about cooking with wine, but BEER has so much more complex flavors.  I imagine the day after beer was invented, someone made an Irish Stew. Cooking with beer infuses recipes with this intoxicating concoction of hops and barley in an effort to enhance and enrich everyday food..  Come take a look, sure to have something you might like to try.  All recipes have been tested and WORK!

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This simple recipe has also been added to my growing list of "52 Simple but Next Level Dishes"!

Kind of an odd title for these posts. But the longer sentence is... Simple recipes that are easy and inexpensive that will take your cooking to the next level... Things like easy pickled items (I always have a jar of Pickled Red Onions for sandwiches in my fridge). Or how about the easiest bread to make in the world... Beer Bread that is tasty on it's own but also makes a wonderful open face pizza style sandwich... With easy to make Tomato Sauce. Or how about Roasting Garlic for a spread on toast points for a unique appetizer. Infusing Oil with Herbs or spices or spicy peppers. Or how about making your own BBQ sauce. Nothing sets you apart as a grill master like setting out a jar of your own specialty BBQ Sauce.

You get the idea. These recipes are very simple, take very little time but will set you apart as a better cook...

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