When I was growing up, sauerkraut was very meal specific. We had it roasted with potatoes and pork chops at home. We had it on hot dogs from street carts with onions, ketchup and mustard. Or we had it when we went out to eat at German restaurants. Those were the only times we ate sauerkraut and it was not something that I thought about very often. Nowadays I find that I get a craving for it when the weather gets cold. Unfortunately Alex is not a huge fan of sauerkraut. He says that it tends to take over a dish and while he likes it on a hot dog, he actively discourages me cooking with it at home. So it was somewhat puzzling when he purchased a container of Wild Brine sauerkraut because it "looked interesting."
Once it was in the refrigerator, he shot down every idea I suggested for using it. Apparently interesting wasn't enough of a draw to make it into dinner. One night when he wasn't home for dinner prep, I mixed it was some broccoli and baked it under some fresh kielbasa. This went over quite well. The blending of fresh and fermented vegetables was able to soften the edge of the sauerkraut, while simultaneously brightening up the broccoli. The rich sausage was the perfect counterpoint to the flavorful vegetables and everyone was happy, even Alex.
Years Past
February 2, 2005
Ideas in Food: Great Recipes and Why They Work
Maximum Flavor: Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook
Gluten Free Flour Power: Bringing Your Favorite Foods Back to the Table
