Warm Apple and Sauerkraut Skillet (Printable Version)

Caramelized apples meet tangy sauerkraut in this warm skillet salad, ready in 25 minutes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Produce

01 - 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and sliced
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
04 - 2 cups baby spinach or arugula

→ Fats & Oils

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

→ Seasonings

06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground caraway seeds, optional
09 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

→ Garnishes

10 - 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
02 - Add sliced apples and onions. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are golden brown and onions are softened.
03 - Drizzle in honey or maple syrup, sprinkle with caraway seeds if using, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat evenly and cook for 1 additional minute.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Fold in drained sauerkraut and warm through for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through without drying.
05 - Remove from heat. Gently toss in baby spinach or arugula until just wilted from residual heat.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter. Top with toasted nuts and fresh chopped parsley.
07 - Serve immediately while warm, or allow to cool to room temperature as preferred.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The contrast between sweet caramelized apples and tangy fermented sauerkraut creates this magical balance that even skeptical eaters end up requesting again.
  • Its one of those rare side dishes that works equally well alongside a holiday roast or as a quick nutritious lunch on its own.
02 -
  • Do not overcook the sauerkraut or youll lose both its beneficial probiotics and its pleasant texture, just warm it through at the end.
  • Letting the apple slices get truly golden before stirring them transforms this dish from good to extraordinary, patience here makes all the difference.
03 -
  • For an elevated version that impresses dinner guests, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine or apple cider before adding the sauerkraut, creating an instant sauce that ties everything together.
  • Toast your nuts in the same skillet before starting the recipe, then set them aside this saves a pan and infuses the cooking fat with nutty essence that subtly flavors the entire dish.
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