The BEST German Style Sauerkraut With Potatoes & Bacon (Super Simple!!)

When I lived in Germany, I learned how
to make this Delicious side dish...
It is the Best sauerkraut ever!*

Ingredients:
1 - 1 1/2 pounds baby red or white potatoes (or both)
6 slices thick cut bacon
1 tablespoon bacon grease
one 32 ounce jar of sauerkraut**
1 yellow onion (1 1/2 cups grated)
1 tart apple (1 1/2 cups grated)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
8 - 16 authentic German Bratwurst, or sausage or other sausage (optional)***
deli mustard (optional)

Method:
Rinse the potatoes and remove any eyes or bruises. Cut the potatoes in half and place in a cooking pot. Add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Use a colander to drain the water. Set aside.
Fry the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Reserve one tablespoon of the bacon grease and discard the rest. (Or, strain and save in a glass container, in the refrigerator, for future use.) Chop the bacon and set aside.
Add the tablespoon of bacon grease to an extra large skillet. Heat over medium low heat. Add the entire jar of sauerkraut, including the liquid. Grate the onion and apple into the sauerkraut. Add the chopped bacon and stir to mix. Sprinkle the pepper over the mixture and stir. Add the potatoes and mix in with the kraut. simmer for 30 minutes or longer.
If desired, pan fry bratwurst for 8 to 10 minutes, turning so that all sides become browned.
serve on top of the sauerkraut and drizzle with the mustard. Makes 8 servings.

Serving suggestion: Serve with one or two
authentic German bratwurst and a salad.

*When we lived in northern Germany, Hilca Kalbrener and her husband, invited my family to dinner. Hilca served this delicious sauerkraut and graciously shared the recipe with me.               

**Make certain that the sauerkraut is packaged in a jar, not in a can. (Canned sauerkraut has a "tinny" flavor. 

***I choose authentic German bratwurst, made from veal or beef, because they are less fatty and (in my opinion) they have a superior flavor. (Uncooked, they are a beige color, not brown.) I can sometimes find them at a regular grocery store, but typically I purchase them from a German deli or store. (I found the ones for this meal, imported from Germany, at an Aldi market.) 

This package, from Aldi
market for about $4.00

Note: I made this dinner for my favorite Aunt & Uncle. My Aunt marveled at how delicious the meal was and my Uncle asked if he could lick his plate!