Introduction: This dish was introduced to me by my dear German friend, and it quickly became a favorite in our home. The flavors, the simplicity, and the heartiness of the meal won over my hubby, who now insists on having it at least once a week! Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy meal for two, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its authentic taste and comforting elements.
Ingredients:
2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 lb (450g) pork sausage (or your favorite sausage)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup sauerkraut, drained (optional, but traditional)
1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, adds authentic flavor)
2 tbsp mustard (preferably Dijon)
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
2 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
Cook the sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and golden.
Layer the dish: If you’re using sauerkraut, layer it at the bottom of the pan. Then, arrange the sliced potatoes over the sauerkraut (or directly in the pan if not using sauerkraut).
Add the sausage: Place the cooked sausage back into the skillet, on top of the potatoes and sauerkraut. Sprinkle with caraway seeds and add the mustard.
Add the broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over everything, making sure the liquid reaches the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the dish: Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish with butter (optional): For a richer dish, stir in the butter just before serving.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy your hearty meal!
Description:
This dish is a perfect blend of German comfort food, with layers of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a touch of tangy sauerkraut. The caraway seeds and mustard bring in those authentic German flavors, making it a wholesome, flavorful, and satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that’s rich in flavor yet easy to make—ideal for anyone who loves hearty, rustic meals.
Tips:
For a slightly lighter version, you can use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
If you don’t have sauerkraut, the dish still works beautifully without it, but you could substitute with some cooked cabbage or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.
Make sure the potatoes are sliced evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. If you want them to cook faster, try par-boiling the potatoes before adding them to the skillet.
Adjust the seasonings to your taste—add more mustard for a tangier kick or more caraway seeds if you want a more pronounced German flavor.
Variations:
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage or simply omit the sausage for a vegetarian version of this dish. You can substitute with sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meaty texture.
Bacon Addition: For an extra smoky flavor, crisp up some bacon and sprinkle it on top before serving.
Spicy Twist: Add a bit of paprika or chili flakes for a spicy version of this dish.
One-Pot Meal: If you prefer, you can cook everything in one large pot by layering the ingredients and letting them all cook together for an easier cleanup.
Correction:
If the potatoes aren’t tender enough after the recommended cooking time, add a little more broth or water and continue to cook on low heat until they soften. The broth should be enough to cook them through, but every stove is different.