Recipe for bratwurst braised in beer with red cabbage and apples
Serves 4 with leftovers
2large onions, sliced1teaspoon caraway seed¼teaspoon black peppercorns1tablespoon brown mustard2bay leaves12precooked bratwurst4bottles (12 ounces each) German-style beer1tablespoon vegetable oil1large head red cabbage, quartered, cored, and thinly sliced1cup apple cider2Granny Smith or other tart baking apples, peeled and cut into ½-inch dice2tablespoons brown sugar6tablespoons apple cider vinegarSalt and pepper, to taste4crusty rolls, split in half Extra brown mustard (for serving)1cup cornichons or other pickles (for serving)
1. In a large flameproof casserole, place the onions, caraway seed, peppercorns, 1 tablespoon mustard, and bay leaves. Prick the bratwurst several times with the tip of a knife. Add them to the pan and pour in the beer. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and cover the pan. Simmer for 15 minutes.
2. With tongs, transfer the bratwurst to a plate. With a slotted spoon, transfer the onions to a bowl. Drain the cooking liquid. Wipe out the pan with paper towels; set aside.
3. Add the oil to the pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add the bratwurst and cook, turning often, for 4 minutes or until they are browned all over. Transfer to a plate. Set aside 4 bratwurst for the casserole.
4. Add a couple of handfuls of the cabbage to the pot along with the cider. Stir over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the remaining cabbage, apples, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
5. Stir in the onions and cook 5 minutes more. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper, if you like. Set aside 6 cups of cabbage for the casserole.
6. Set a roll on each of 4 plates. Place 2 bratwurst on each roll, and top with the cabbage mixture. Serve with mustard and pickles. Sally Pasley Vargas
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com