Tyrolean Sauerkraut (Crauti alla Tirolese)
Category: Side Dishes
Servings: 4
A hearty and flavorful dish inspired by the Tyrolean region of northern Italy, Crauti alla Tirolese is a perfect accompaniment to rich meats or hearty winter meals. This recipe combines tender, pre-cooked sauerkraut with smoky pancetta, aromatic juniper berries, and a savory flour-based roux, resulting in a comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with sausages, roasts, or even as a stand-alone treat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pre-cooked Sauerkraut | 770g |
| Smoked Pancetta | 150g |
| Onion | 1 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 10g |
| Juniper Berries | 5 |
| All-Purpose Flour (00) | 2 tablespoons |
| Beef Bouillon Cube (Dado) | 1 |
| Salt (Fine) | To taste |
| Water | 800ml |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sauerkraut:
- Place the pre-cooked sauerkraut into a large pot. Pour in approximately 800 ml of water to cover the sauerkraut. Add the smoked pancetta, cut into three slices, the beef bouillon cube, and the juniper berries.
- Cover the pot and cook over low heat for 45-50 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauerkraut to soften. Check occasionally to ensure there is enough liquid, and add a little more water if necessary.
-
Prepare the Onion and Roux:
- While the sauerkraut cooks, finely chop the onion. In a separate pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Once the onions are softened, add two heaping tablespoons of flour to the pan. Stir well to create a roux, and let it cook for a few minutes until it turns a light golden color.
-
Combine and Cook:
- After the sauerkraut has finished cooking and is tender, turn off the heat. Add the onion mixture (with the flour) to the sauerkraut, stirring to combine.
- Place the pot back on low heat for a few minutes, mixing gently to ensure the roux is well-incorporated into the sauerkraut.
-
Final Seasoning and Serving:
- Taste the sauerkraut and add salt as needed, adjusting to your preferences. Once the flavors are well balanced, turn off the heat.
- Serve the sauerkraut hot, ideally paired with sausages, roasted meats, or as a flavorful side to complement your main dish.
Tips for a Perfect Sauerkraut
- For a richer flavor, use a higher quality smoked pancetta or even bacon if preferred.
- Juniper berries add a distinctive, aromatic note to the sauerkraut, but they can be omitted if unavailable.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a bit more flour to the roux.
Enjoy your Tyrolean sauerkraut, a simple yet delicious side dish that brings the flavors of the Alps to your table!
