Polish sausage, sauerkraut, and potatoes is a classic comfort food that brings together robust flavors and hearty ingredients into a single dish. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Using a crockpot, you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors meld together over several hours. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare this mouthwatering dish, along with tips and variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients
To make Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 (13oz) links smoked sausage (any flavor that you love), cut into rounds
- 6 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean and diced small
- 1 (32oz) jar sauerkraut with juice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the potatoes are scrubbed clean and diced into small, uniform pieces. Chop the yellow onion and cut the smoked sausage into rounds. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make assembling the dish quick and easy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and sausage rounds into a 6-quart crockpot. Pour the entire jar of sauerkraut, including the juice, over the top. Add the chicken broth to provide the necessary liquid for cooking. The sauerkraut juice and chicken broth will infuse the dish with rich, savory flavors.
Step 3: Season the Dish
Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the ingredients in the crockpot. Stir everything together to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The spices add depth and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 4: Cook on High
Place the lid on the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 4-6 hours. The cooking time can vary depending on the type of potatoes and their size. Russet potatoes, for example, may take a bit longer to become fork-tender compared to baby red or yellow potatoes. It’s important to keep an eye on the dish and check the potatoes periodically to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together, your Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes is ready to serve. This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the crockpot. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a more balanced meal.
Tips and Variations
While the basic recipe is straightforward and delicious, there are several tips and variations you can try to make it even better:
Tips
- Choose Your Sausage Wisely: The flavor of the smoked sausage will greatly influence the overall taste of the dish. Choose a sausage you love, whether it’s kielbasa, andouille, or a spicy smoked sausage.
- Monitor the Potatoes: Depending on the type and size of potatoes you use, the cooking time may vary. Keep an eye on the potatoes and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider adding other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or celery. These can be added at the same time as the potatoes and onions.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder based on your personal preference.
Variations
- Cheesy Sausage and Potatoes: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly for a rich, cheesy variation.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the crockpot for a spicy version of the dish.
- Apple and Sausage: Add one or two peeled and diced apples to the crockpot. The sweetness of the apples complements the tanginess of the sauerkraut and the smokiness of the sausage.
- Herb Infusion: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the crockpot for an added layer of herbaceous flavor.
- Wine Substitute: Replace half of the chicken broth with white wine for a slightly different flavor profile that adds depth and sophistication to the dish.
The Comfort of One-Pot Meals
One-pot meals like Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes are a lifesaver for busy families and individuals. They require minimal preparation and cleanup, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal rather than spending hours in the kitchen. The crockpot method ensures that the ingredients cook evenly and the flavors meld together beautifully over time.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but there are a few ways to elevate your meal:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. A loaf of French bread or a baguette works perfectly.
- Green Salad: Pair the dish with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sausage and potatoes.
- Mustard: Offer a selection of mustards on the side, such as whole grain mustard or Dijon, to complement the flavors of the sausage and sauerkraut.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the leftovers even more delicious. To reheat, simply warm the dish in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Conclusion
Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes is a timeless dish that offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smoky sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and tender potatoes create a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. By following this simple recipe and incorporating some of the tips and variations, you can create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, set up your crockpot, and enjoy the comforting goodness of this classic dish.
Print
Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes: A Hearty Crockpot Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, and Potatoes is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together savory sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and tender potatoes. This traditional Polish meal is perfect for a satisfying family dinner, offering a blend of flavors that is both rich and wholesome.
Ingredients
2 (13oz) links smoked sausage (any flavor that you love) cut into rounds
6 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean & diced small
1 (32oz) jar sauerkraut with juice
2 cups chicken broth
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
Place all ingredients into a 6 quart crockpot and mix well to combine.
Place lid on and cook on high for 4-6 hours until potatoes are fork tender.
Notes
NOTE 1 : you can use any type of potato. Baby reds, yellow or the russets.
NOTE 2 : cook time could be longer or shorter depending on the type of potato and size of potato you use. Keep an eye on it and cook until potatoes are tender.
Leftovers are so delicious. Enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg