Craft Beer Kielbasa

Craft Beer Kielbasa Recipe with Brown Sugar and Sauerkraut is just what you need for a great summer time cookout – without having to be too hot. Slow cooking goodness in the cool of your home, and you can enjoy great craft beer as well.

Craft beer – both in the recipe and in your glass! This craft beer kielbasa recipe is from “PubFood that Rocks”, in our free weekly eMag – Black Bucket Brew. Sign up to get the complete issue each week at NO charge!

Recipe and article courtesy of Guest Chef:

Michelle @ BrownEyedBaker.com

OK, two major disclaimers right off the bat:

#1. I have never been a fan of Kielbasa.

#2. I am even less of a fan of sauerkraut.

Yet, I am hopelessly in love with this recipe! It doesn’t make logical sense. Could it be that beer and brown sugar make all the difference? Given the magical powers of both, it’s certainly possible.

Back on the 4th of July, my Chief Culinary Consultant and I went to his friend’s house for a cookout. He mentioned there was Kielbasa and sauerkraut (which I typically pass right over), and as a footnote said that they were cooked in beer and brown sugar. My ears shot up faster than a dog who hears a bread bag being rustled (or a peanut butter jar open, or a banana being peeled. Okay, my dog is weird!)

I had to try it, even though I still kind of thought I wouldn’t really be crazy about it. Forget being crazy about it, or even liking it, I loved it.

Over the last few months we reminisced about how great those Kielbasa sandwiches were. Finally last weekend we scored the recipe, and within hours had it simmering away in the crock-pot.

This recipe honestly couldn’t be any easier to make – less than 10 minutes to get everything into your slow cooker, and then let the cooker do the work. As with most things like this, the longer you let it cook, the better it will taste. The Kielbasa becomes so tender that it melts in your mouth, and the sauerkraut takes on a sweet flavor – delicious! If you’re a Kielbasa- and/or sauerkraut-averse person, take it from one of your brethren – you NEED to give this a shot! Enjoy!

Craft Beer and Brown Sugar Kielbasa & Sauerkraut

Yield: About 10 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 4 to 8 hours

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces mild ale or lager beer (craft beer)
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 3 pounds Polish Kielbasa
• 1 bag (or jar) sauerkraut (32 ounces), drained

Directions:

1. Combine the beer and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, until the sugar melts and the mixture is slightly thickened; set aside.
2. Cut the Kielbasa into links and place in a slow cooker.
3. Cover with the drained sauerkraut.
4. Pour the beer and brown sugar mixture over top.
5. Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or on low for 8 to 10 hours. (We ended up doing a combination – high for 3 hours and then low for another 3 or so. Definitely the longer it cooks the better it tastes!)
6. Serve on its own or in your favorite sandwich roll.
7. Serve with a mild ale or lager and – ENJOY!

Michelle @ BrownEyedBaker.com

Be sure to visit Michelle at her great food blog for more fabulous recipes!