Crock Pot Kielbasa

Yes, it's here — my first (but not the last) crock pot recipe for 2015 and it's a new one (at least for us). Usually our crock pot has ingredients that include chicken or beef cooking for dinner. We needed to try something new. A friend recommended this recipe for slow cooker kielbasa and sauerkraut — a welcome change.

First, (sorry couldn't resist) this is one of the easiest recipes I've done in the crock pot from prep time to finish. Who doesn't like easy meals any time of year. This low-cost meal was ready in under 6 hours and there were leftovers (another plus). 

Rinsing the sauerkraut and adding brown sugar and caraway seeds gave this meal more of a "sweet" vs. "sour" kraut taste. For variations, add bite-size pieces of peeled and diced Yukon potatoes and/or cut up pieces of peeled apple.

Prep time: 15-20 minutes. Cooking time: 4-6 hours

Crock Pot Kielbasa & Sauerkraut

2 lbs sauerkraut (refrigerated in a bag)
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp caraway seeds
1 links Kielbasa or Polish sausage
1/2 C apple juice or apple cider

1. Pour sauerkraut into a colander and rinse well with water. Allow to drain and press down with a large spoon to remove excess water.
2. Place rinsed and drained sauerkraut into slow cooker. Add brown sugar, salt and caraway seeds and mix well.
3. Place kielbasa on top and pour juice or cider on top.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. If adding potatoes, cooking time may be longer. Check that potatoes are done after 6 hours and raise temp to High for last hour if not.

Serve with your choice of mustard and some rye bread and a beverage of your choice: glass of beer or apple cider.