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Cozy Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

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A foolproof, comfort-food slow cooker dish featuring smoked sausage and tangy sauerkraut, balanced with sweet apples and warm spices for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound smoked Polish sausage (Kielbasa), sliced into half-inch rounds
  • 14-ounce jar or bag sauerkraut, rinsed and drained well
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 crisp apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1–2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Slice the kielbasa into half-inch rounds. Optionally brown them in a skillet with a little oil for added smoky depth.
  2. Drain the sauerkraut and rinse it under cold water. Squeeze out excess liquid to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
  3. In the slow cooker, combine the rinsed sauerkraut, diced onion, chopped apple, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, caraway seeds, and bay leaves. Stir to mix.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the sausage slices on top without stirring them in yet.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the sausage is tender and cabbage is soft.
  6. Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed before serving.

Notes

Rinsing the sauerkraut is crucial to remove excess brine and salt. For a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last hour. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it excellent as leftovers. If cooking on HIGH, stir halfway through to prevent edges from browning too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, kielbasa, sauerkraut, comfort food, winter recipes, easy dinner, smoked sausage, one pot meal

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/cozy-slow-cooker-kielbasa-and-sauerkraut-10-easy-tips/