Choucroute With Smothered Cabbage And Spatzle

FrenchPorkIntermediate150 minBy Northstar

Ingredients

Servings
4
  • 1 quart water
  • 1 quart beer
  • 2 cup chopped onions
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 2 each garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 each bay leaves
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 each smoked ham hocks (about 4 oz each)
  • 4 links boudin blanc sausage (2 to 3 oz each)
  • 4 links liver sausage links (2 to 3 oz each)
  • 6 oz slab bacon, thinly sliced
  • 2 cup thinly sliced onions
  • 0.5 head fresh white cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lb fresh spatzle, cooked until tender
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, beer, chopped onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and bay leaves. Season with salt.

  2. 2

    Add the ham hocks. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium-low, and simmer for 2 hours.

  3. 3

    Add the sausages and continue to cook for 20 more minutes.

  4. 4

    Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan over medium heat, render the bacon until crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

  5. 5

    Add the sliced onions to the bacon fat. Season with black pepper. Sauté for 4 minutes. Add the cabbage and sauté until wilted, about 6 minutes.

  6. 6

    Stir in the cream and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, add the spatzle, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 4 to 6 minutes.

  7. 7

    Remove the ham hocks and sausages from the braising liquid. Remove the meat from the ham hocks.

  8. 8

    Place the ham and sausages on a platter. Spoon the creamy cabbage-spatzle into a serving bowl. Garnish with parsley and serve together.