Warm Apple Sauerkraut Skillet (Printable View)

Caramelized apples meet tangy sauerkraut in this warm skillet dish finished with fresh greens and toasted nuts.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Produce

01 - 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Gala variety), cored and sliced
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
04 - 2 cups baby spinach or arugula

→ Fats & Oils

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

→ Seasonings

06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, adjusted to taste
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground caraway seeds, optional
09 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

→ Garnishes

10 - 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
02 - Add sliced apples and onions to the skillet. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are golden and onions are tender.
03 - Drizzle in honey or maple syrup and sprinkle with caraway seeds if using, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly and cook for 1 additional minute.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Fold in drained sauerkraut and warm through for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through without drying out.
05 - Remove from heat. Gently toss in baby spinach or arugula until just wilted from residual heat.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter. Top with toasted nuts and fresh parsley.
07 - Serve immediately while warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The contrast between the hot apples and cold kraut creates a temperature dance that keeps your palate awake
  • It turns a humble jar of sauerkraut into a sophisticated dinner party side without any extra effort
02 -
  • If you cook the sauerkraut too long you will kill all those beneficial probiotics and lose the texture
  • The type of kraut matters so look for the refrigerated kind for the best crunch and flavor
03 -
  • Toast your walnuts in a dry pan beforehand to unlock oils that raw nuts simply cannot match
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a subtle heat to cut through the sweetness
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