In the winter of 2021, one of the most searched-for recipes on Google was choucroute—a wonderful winter stew from Alsace that combines sauerkraut with potatoes and sausages. The renewed excitement around it in Israel was probably thanks to the version Michal Ansky made, which got lots of people excited about this classic dish.
So yes, the traditional version of choucroute uses plenty of smoked and fatty meats, including bacon, but don’t worry—I found a combination that brings those slightly smoky flavors, adds gentle richness, and doesn’t require any non-kosher meat.
So what makes this dish so delicious? Mostly, it’s the contrast of textures and flavors and the way they come together. The tanginess of the sauerkraut with the richness of the kabanos and sausages, the soft potatoes that absorb all those wonderful flavors, and the gentle heat from the black pepper.
It’s important to choose high-quality sausages that won’t dry out within minutes. You can find good ones at specialty food shops, some supermarkets, and from small producers who make their own sausages.
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- Don’t miss: plenty of easy and delicious lunch recipes.