362. SAUTEED GERMAN SAUSAGES with BACON and APPLE SAUERKRAUT

serves 6


1/4 cup vegetable oil
5 oz. Double Hickory Smoked Bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 very large onion, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons off-dry white wine, such as Riesling
1 large sweet apple (such as Gala or Fuji), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
12 juniper berries
4 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup water
2 1/2 lbs. sauerkraut, drained, rinsed, and squeezed dry (4 packed cups)
12 Weisswurst sausages
Grainy mustard

In a large, enameled cast-iron casserole, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil until shimmering. Add the bacon and cook over moderately high heat until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

Add the onion to the casserole, cover partially and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until very soft, about 20 minutes. Increase the heat to moderately high. Add the wine, apple, juniper berries, bay leaves, sugar, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper and boil for 3 minutes. Add the water and the sauerkraut. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook until the apple is very tender, about 45 minutes.

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil until shimmering. Poke the sausages several times with a fork and cook them over moderate heat, turning several times, until golden and heated through, about 8 minutes.

Spoon the sauerkraut onto a platter and arrange the sausages on top. Sprinkle the reserved bacon over the sausages and serve with mustard.

Make Ahead: The sauerkraut can be prepared through Step 2 and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: In Germany's Pfalz region, cooks braise sauerkraut with onion, apples, seasonings, a touch of sugar, and a little of the region's Riesling wine, creating an addictive accompaniment for juicy weisswurst. The kraut's light sweetness pairs perfectly with a slightly off-dry German Riesling, particularly one from the 2003 vintage; try the appley 2003 Pfeffingen Pfeffo or the minerally 2003 S.A. Prüm Blue Slate.


courtesy of: Lobel's of New York, 1096 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10028