Brats and sauerkraut is a delicious comfort food meal that when prepared with just a few extra easy ingredients turns it into a foodie fest weeknight meal with the Instant Dutch Oven. German-style bratwurst braised in beer with sauerkraut with seasonings like dill, caraway seed, garlic, tart apples balanced with sweet brown sugar notes, and a little thyme for good measure. I was so happy to make this in a fraction of the time versus my stove or grill!
Preheat the Instant Dutch oven to sear/saute. Once heated add a small amount of oil to the pot. Add the brats in batches, and sear both sides. Remove to plate as they are done.
Add the sliced onions to the pot, and cook until softened. Add the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds or until fragrant. The saute/sear function is very efficient, and if the pot seems to hot it can be cancelled for this step. The cast iron will retain enough heat to cook the onions and garlic.
Cancel the sear/saute. Deglaze the pan with some of the beer. Add the drained sauerkraut and remaining beer to the Dutch oven.
Add in the remaining ingredients, and then stir to combine. Place the brats back in the sauerkraut mixture.
Cook on the Braise function for one hour. Stir halfway through the cooking time.
Serve immediately with mashed or boiled potatoes. These are also delicious on a roll with mustard and fries as a side.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat in microwave or Dutch oven on saute or warm. Leftovers can be frozen for up to three months.
To make this in the Instant Pot
Follow all the direction above. Cook on high pressure for 15-minutes followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
Video
Notes
There is no need to peel the potato or apple for this recipe as the peel will be very small or dissolve during the cooking process. If you don't drink alcohol you substitute with chicken or beef stock, or cider. Be sure to sear the sausages in batches to get even browning on all the sausages.To prevent scratching of the enamel on your Dutch oven be sure to use silicone coated, wood, or plastic utensils.