Braised pickled cabbage with smoked ham hock

Delicious recipe for sautéed sauerkraut with smoked ham hock

If you're looking for a comforting and flavorful dish, sautéed sauerkraut with smoked ham hock is the perfect choice! This traditional recipe, which combines the savory taste of smoked meat with the unmistakable sweetness of sauerkraut, will turn any meal into a true celebration of flavor. Whether you serve it on a chilly winter day or at a family gathering, this delight will always bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients

- 1 smoked ham hock (choose one with plenty of meat and less fat)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 sauerkraut heads (depending on the desired size of the dish)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 5-6 peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon of Romanian thyme
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 200 ml of tomato juice (preferably homemade)
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 5-6 coriander seeds
- A pinch of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of curry (for a touch of exoticism)
- Salt, to taste

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Prepare the sauerkraut

To achieve a flavorful sautéed sauerkraut, the first step is to desalinate the sauerkraut. So, place the sauerkraut in a bowl of cold water and let it soak for a few hours, preferably overnight. This step is essential to reduce the saltiness of the sauerkraut, ensuring that the final dish will not be too salty.

Step 2: Sauté the onion

In a large skillet, heat a little oil (or butter, if you prefer) and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This step will add a delicious aromatic base to your dish.

Step 3: Add the ham hock

Once the onion is ready, cut the smoked ham hock into suitable pieces and add it to the skillet. Stir well to combine it with the onion, allowing it to brown slightly. The smoky aroma of the ham hock will begin to fill the kitchen, promising a delicious meal.

Step 4: Prepare the sauerkraut

After the ham hock has developed a slight crust, drain the sauerkraut from the water it soaked in and chop it very finely. Add the sauerkraut to the skillet and mix well, ensuring that all ingredients are combined. It is important to stir constantly so that the sauerkraut does not stick to the pot.

Step 5: Season

Now is the time to add the spices! Add the bay leaves, peppercorns, thyme, paprika, coriander, cumin, and curry. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the mixture. Add the tomato paste and tomato juice, mixing again. At this point, it is important not to add salt, as the ham hock and tomato sauce may already be salty.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer the sauerkraut and ham mixture to a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Let it bake for about an hour. Covering with foil will help retain moisture and allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

Serving

After the baking time has elapsed, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This dish is ideally served with softer polenta and hot peppers, which add a pleasant contrast and a touch of freshness. Don't forget, a sprinkle of fresh dill on top can perfectly complete the plate!

Useful tips

1. Choosing the ham hock: Opt for a ham hock with enough fat, as the fat will add extra flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, you can choose a ham hock with less fat.

2. The sauerkraut: If your sauerkraut is very salty, you can repeat the desalting process for a longer time. Additionally, you can combine sauerkraut with a bit of sweet cabbage for a more balanced taste.

3. Vegetarian option: You can replace the smoked ham hock with mushrooms or smoked tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh cabbage instead of sauerkraut?
Although sauerkraut is essential for this recipe, you can use fresh cabbage, but you will need to add a little vinegar or lemon to achieve a tangy taste.

2. What other dishes can sautéed sauerkraut be combined with?
This delicious sauerkraut pairs perfectly with grilled sausages or a steak. You can also serve it alongside a potato salad or a beet salad.

3. What are the nutritional benefits of sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is rich in probiotics, which help with gut health. It also contains vitamins C and K, thus contributing to strengthening the immune system and promoting bone health.

Calories: One serving of sautéed sauerkraut with smoked ham hock contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of ham hock and polenta served alongside.

Personal note

This recipe reminds me of childhood meals when the whole family gathered around the table to enjoy the delicious dishes lovingly prepared by my grandmother. I hope it brings you the same joy and becomes a favorite dish in your home! Enjoy your meal!