Choucroute A L'Alasacienne
A hearty Alsacian dish combining tender pork, flavorful sauerkraut, and savory sausages, perfect for comforting family dinners and showcasing classic French-German flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 medium onions ⓘ
- 8 whole cloves ⓘ
- 8 smoked loin pork chops (about 1-inch thick) ⓘ
- 2 slices fat salt pork (1/4-inch thick) ⓘ
- 2 pared carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 slab bacon ⓘ
- 10 whole black peppers ⓘ
- 12 juniper berries
- 4 lb sauerkraut ⓘ
- 3 chicken bouillon cubes
- 3 c boiling water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c dry white wine ⓘ
- 8 medium-size knockwurst ⓘ
- 8 large size potatoes (about 3 lb.) ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel onions and stud each with 4 cloves.
- Place onions, pork chops, salt pork, carrots, and bacon in a large 8-quart kettle.
- Add black pepper and juniper berries, tied in a piece of cheesecloth, to the kettle.
- Cover all with drained sauerkraut and pour chicken bouillon and white wine throughout.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Make diagonal cuts in each of the knockwurst and add them to the kettle 15 minutes before the end of cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a few sprigs of thyme while simmering. If you cannot find juniper berries, you can substitute with a small amount of gin to achieve a similar taste. Ensure to use high-quality sauerkraut for the best results. If you prefer a milder flavor, rinse the sauerkraut before adding it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Choucroute A L'Alasacienne with crusty bread and a side of mustard for added flavor. A simple green salad can also complement the rich flavors of the dish. This hearty meal pairs beautifully with Chicken Legs In Coconut Cream for a delightful dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or wine if needed to maintain moisture. This dish can also be reheated in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Choucroute A L'Alasacienne contains roughly 1556 calories, with 69g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (197% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2165mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Choucroute A L'Alasacienne can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve when allowed to sit overnight. Simply cool it completely before refrigerating, then reheat gently when you're ready to serve.
What type of wine should I use?
A dry white wine is recommended, such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, as they complement the sauerkraut and meats well. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the dish's overall flavor balance.
Can I use different meats in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with other smoked or cured meats, such as bratwurst or smoked sausage, to customize the dish to your taste. Just ensure the total weight of the meats remains similar for even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).