This sauerkraut and apple compote recipe is a delightful twist on traditional side dishes. It's a surprisingly easy recipe that showcases the beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The tartness of the sauerkraut perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples, creating a flavor profile that's both unique and comforting. I came up with this recipe on a whim, when my friend Sarah came over, she is obsessed with apples. We had a bit of a food emergency, and it just worked.
The recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your palate, and it pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Whether you're looking for a unique side dish for a holiday meal or a flavorful topping for your favorite protein, this compote is sure to impress. I think the best part is the smell when cooking! Its simply amazing.
Required Equipments
- Large bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Colander
- Medium saucepan
- Large pot
Sauerkraut and Apple Compote: Frequently Asked Questions
Sauerkraut and Apple Compote
This simple recipe combines the tangy zest of sauerkraut with the sweetness of apples to create a unique and delicious compote that's perfect as a side dish or topping.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First, let's prep our apples! Wash and core 2 pounds of apples. I like Honeycrisp, but any variety will do. If they're not super ripe, peel 'em. Otherwise, you can leave the skin on for extra fiber and a pretty pink hue (its up to you, I guess!). Dice those beauties into roughly 1/2-inch pieces.
- Next, grab about 1 pound of sauerkraut. If you bought it pre-made, give it a good rinse in a colander to get rid of any excess salt or brine. If you're a pro, you can use homemade—I applaud you!
- Now, get your medium saucepan. Add about 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of olive oil. You can saute the apples in the saucepan first, over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 mins until they soften a little and become fragrant. This is optional, but I swear it takes the flavor to the next level!
- Once they're softened, throw everything into a large pot: the apples, sauerkraut, 1/4 cup brown sugar, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a half teaspoon of ground cloves. If you are a fan of a bit of spice you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper too!
- Add 1 cup of apple juice and give it a good stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the apples are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- After simmering, taste it! Adjust the sweetness or spices according to your preference. Maybe add a bit more cinnamon, or a pinch of salt, if it needs something to make it pop! I'm sure you will know what to do!
- Once you're happy with the flavor, take the pot off the heat and let the compote cool completely. Seriously, let it cool. I learned this the hard way. Don't rush the cooling process; It's where the magic happens!
- Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, even better, if left overnight. The flavors will deepen, like a fine wine (except this is better!).
- Serve and enjoy! The compote will pair wonderfully with sausage, roasted chicken, or pork dishes. I also like to eat it on top of plain yogurt or oatmeal. Get creative!
📝 Notes
- Adjust sweetness and spices to your liking. Experiment! It's fun!
- If using homemade sauerkraut, you may need to adjust the saltiness.
- Don't skip the cooling step—it's important for flavor development!
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 5 g
Calcium: 20 mg
