Beer Simmered Beef Bratwurst

Fall is in the air and while we aren't lining up in many festival tents dressed in our finest lederhosen this year... we can still get our BRATWURST on! Perfect for beer simmering and serving up with lacto-fermented sauerkraut, mustard, and a festive stein of your favorite brew! 

The Supply List

• Wild Earth Fresh Beef Bratwurst - 4 links
• 1/2 Medium yellow onion - sliced
• 1/2 Apple - yellow (like a honeycrisp) - chopped
• 12oz Beer or Beef Stock - Oktoberfest, Hefe, or Amber - We like our local Buckstin Brew Co. Fit Bird Hefe or Wrong Clamp Amber
• 1 Cup Sauerkraut
• Dash of Worcestershire 
• Whole grain mustard
• Hoagie Rolls 

For a fun adaption I've also used granny smith apples and hard apple cider.. It was amazing!

The Steps

Add a tablespoon or so of vegetable oil to a heavy bottom skillet and turn to HIGH. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the sausages and sear them on all sides. This will take about 5 minutes. Use tongs to turn them until browned all over. We're just searing here, not actually cooking.  

 Reduce the heat to Medium Low - Low and add onions and apple. Saute for a minute or so until fragrant. Add the beer or beef broth and dash of  Worcestershire. Low steady simmer 8-10 minutes turning the sausages occasionally. 

The liquid should reduce to a quarter. If it's reducing to quickly, turn the temperature down a bit and add some more liquid if necessary. This part isn’t an exact science but we’re trying to impart the beer flavor into the brats. 

Turn off the heat and stir in the sauerkraut to warm. I like adding the kraut last and off the heat so you don’t kill off all of the good lactobacillus. 

 Pack a bit of everything into a toasted hoagie roll with your favorite whole grain mustard!