Easy Instant Pot Sauerkraut Kielbasa Sausage Recipe
Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the timeless flavors of comfort food with our Easy Instant Pot Sauerkraut Kielbasa Sausage Recipe. This hearty and flavorful dish combines the tangy goodness of sauerkraut with the savory richness of kielbasa sausage, all cooked to perfection in the convenience of the Instant Pot. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike. Get ready to cozy up to a bowl of warm and comforting goodness that will leave you craving more with every bite!
main INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
It’s easy to create a hearty and flavorful sauerkraut and sausage dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
- Sauerkraut (2 (24 oz) Jars, drained and rinsed): Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage that adds a tangy and sour flavor to the dish. Draining and rinsing the sauerkraut helps to remove excess brine and adjust the level of acidity to your taste preference.
- Polish Kielbasa (1 (13 oz) package): The smoked sausage is made from seasoned ground meat, typically pork, beef, or a combination of both.
- Chicken Broth (1 Cup): The chicken broth adds flavor and the cup of liquid will create steam.
- Carrots (2, cleaned and shredded): Carrots add sweetness and color to the dish, balancing out the tanginess of the sauerkraut.
- Onion (1, sliced thin): Onion adds depth of flavor and aroma to the dish, enhancing its overall savory profile.
- Bacon (16 oz, crispy and crumbled): Crispy and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor to the sauerkraut and sausage dish.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Salt and black pepper are used to season the dish, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference, keeping in mind that the bacon and sauerkraut can already contribute saltiness to the dish.
WHY OUR FAMILY REALLY LOVES THIS RECIPE?
Our family adores this easy sauerkraut and kielbasa recipe! With its quick and easy preparation, it has become a weeknight dinner favorite that never fails to satisfy our cravings. In less than 45 minutes, we can have a hearty and flavorful meal on the table, thanks to the convenience of the Instant Pot. The tangy sauerkraut, savory Polish kielbasa, and sweet caramelized onions create a harmonious blend of flavors that leaves everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday dinner, this dish brings our family together to enjoy good food and create lasting memories.
HOW TO PREPARE instant pot KIELBASA?
Time needed: 40 minutes
- Prepare Ingredients:
Begin by draining and rinsing the sauerkraut to remove excess brine. Clean and shred the carrots, slice the onion thin, and crisp and crumble the bacon. Set aside. - Slice the Kielbasa:
Cut the Polish kielbasa into bite-sized pieces or slices, whichever you prefer. This can be done diagonally or straight across, depending on your preference for presentation. - Sauté Kielbasa:
Turn on the Instant Pot to the saute function. Once hot, add a bit of oil or bacon fat if desired, then add the kielbasa pieces. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the kielbasa is lightly browned, remove from the pot, and set aside.
- Sauté Onion:
Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened. - Add Remaining Ingredients:
Add the shredded carrots, drained sauerkraut, and crumbled bacon to the Instant Pot. Stir everything together to combine evenly. - Season:
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon and sauerkraut can already be quite salty, so adjust accordingly. Add the chicken broth and scrap the bottom of the pot with a slotted spoon. - Pressure Cooking:
Secure the lid on the multi-functional pressure cooker and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 9 minutes. - Natural Release:
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Open the Instant Pot and give the sauerkraut and sausage mixture a good stir. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley if desired. - Serve:
Enjoy the Polish Kielbasa on a hoagie roll smothered sauerkraut or on a plate with mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Yes, you can use fresh sauerkraut instead of jarred. However, fresh sauerkraut may have a stronger flavor and require less cooking time than canned or jarred sauerkraut. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
Browning the kielbasa before cooking it in the Instant Pot is optional but recommended. Browning the sausage adds flavor and texture to the dish. But if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still achieve delicious results.
Yes, you can add other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to this one-pot meal. Cooking times for the vegetables may need to be adjusted to ensure they are cooked to the proper tenderness.
Rinsing the sauerkraut before adding it to the Instant Pot can help remove some of the excess brine and reduce its sourness. You can also balance out the acidity of the sauerkraut by adding sweetness, such as brown sugar or apple juice, to the dish.
Yes, you can cook the sauerkraut and kielbasa on high pressure in the Instant Pot. Cooking on high pressure will help tenderize the kielbasa and infuse the flavors of the sauerkraut into the sausage more quickly. Just be sure to follow the recommended cooking times for your specific Instant Pot model.
easy RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
Experimenting with these substitutions and variations, you can create a sauerkraut and kielbasa dish that suits your taste buds.
- Sausage Variations: Instead of Polish sausage, you can use other types of sausage such as smoked pork sausage, bratwurst, or chorizo. Each savory sausage variety will have its unique flavor profile to the dish.
- Vegetarian or Vegan Options: For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the kielbasa with plant-based sausage or tempeh. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Different Sauerkraut Preparations: Experiment with different types of sauerkraut, such as Bavarian-style or wine-infused sauerkraut. You can also make homemade sauerkraut from scratch for a fresher flavor.
- Additional Ingredients: Enhance the dish with additional ingredients such as potatoes, apples, bay leaf, caraway seeds, or beer. Potatoes can add heartiness to the dish, while apples provide a hint of sweetness. Caraway seeds offer a distinctive flavor that complements the sauerkraut, and beer can be used to braise the sausage.
- Spice it Up: Add some heat to the dish by incorporating spicy mustard, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes. This will give the dish a kick of heat and elevate the flavor profile.
- Serve with Different Sides: Change up the side dishes served with sauerkraut and kielbasa. Instead of mashed potatoes, try serving it with roasted potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread. You can also pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a lighter option.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH SAUERKRAUT recipe?
Sauerkraut and Polish kielbasa make for a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. One way to serve is with a side of mashed potatoes, they provide contrast to the tangy sauerkraut and sausage. Additionally, crusty bread, such as a hoagie roll, is ideal for soaking up the flavorful juices. Tangy mustard is a traditional condiment that complements the richness of the kielbasa, while pickles add a crunchy contrast. Coleslaw, with its crisp texture and bright flavors, rounds out the meal nicely. When enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner these sides create a satisfying family favorite.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER SAUERKRAUT AND SAUSAGE?
To store leftover sauerkraut and sausage, first allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible. Store the container in the refrigerator and eat within 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, options include microwaving in 30-second intervals and stir until heated. Or reheating on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking and the sauerkraut from drying out. For a larger portion use the oven at 350 degrees, covered tightly with aluminum foil until heated through. Once reheated, serve and enjoy the comforting flavors of sauerkraut and sausage anew.
CAN LEFTOVER PRESSURE-COOKED SAUERKRAUT BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
While leftovers can be frozen for later consumption, it’s important to note that the texture may change upon thawing. Freezing can cause the sauerkraut to become softer and the sausage to lose some juiciness. Ensure they are cooled completely before transferring them to airtight freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and label the containers with the date for easy reference. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using your preferred method. While the flavor will still be good, the texture may be slightly different from when it was freshly made.
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Easy Instant Pot Sauerkraut Kielbasa Sausage Recipe
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 (24 oz) Jars Sauerkraut (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (13 oz) Polish Sausage
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- 2 Carrots (cleaned and shredded)
- 1 Onion (sliced thin)
- 16 oz Bacon (crispy and crumbled)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by draining and rinsing the sauerkraut to remove excess brine. Clean and shred the carrots, slice the onion thin, and crisp and crumble the bacon. Set aside.
- Slice the Kielbasa: Cut the Polish kielbasa into bite-sized pieces or slices, whichever you prefer. This can be done diagonally or straight across, depending on your preference for presentation.
- Sauté Onion and Kielbasa: Turn on the Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Once hot, add a bit of oil or bacon fat if desired, then add the sliced onion and kielbasa pieces. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and the kielbasa is lightly browned.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the shredded carrots, drained sauerkraut, and crumbled bacon to the Instant Pot. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon and sauerkraut can already be quite salty, so adjust accordingly. Add the chicken broth to the instant pot.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot and give the sauerkraut and sausage mixture a good stir. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley if desired. Enjoy the Polish Kielbasa on a hoagie roll smothered sauerkraut or on a plate with mashed potatoes for a complete meal.