Cleveland Kitchen

Summer evening BBQs spent with your closest friends, family and delicious food is one of the best memories in the summer season. Although the summer nights are winding down, it doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your favorite BBQ foods. We have savory sauerkraut options to add some flavor to your next BBQ (and don’t forget the dressings!).

Sauerkraut and your BBQ

Sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage packed with flavor and health benefits. It is the perfect topping for your bratwurst, pork chops, sausage or plant-based burger. The delectable tangy taste and crunch is always refreshing on a warm summer evening. Although you can eat it straight from the pouch, sauerkraut is even better as part of a BBQ.

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For example, try a slow-roasted beer bratwurst or sausage on a bed of greens, topped with cooked onions and whiskey dill sauerkraut! Sausages can be cut up into bite-sized pieces to feed a large gathering and taste amazing. If you’re opting for pork-chops, we recommend roasted garlic sauerkraut topping with a potato salad (a BBQ food staple). Additionally, a black bean burger tastes incredible with a beet red sauerkraut topping, served with fries of course! These are just a few exciting ways to add some flavor to a traditionally-loved BBQ menu.

Benefits of Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a type of fermented food that is thought to have originated in China as a method used to keep cabbage from spoiling quickly. Sauerkraut survived the test of time to become a popular side dish and condiment in many cultures. It’s especially appreciated in Germany, where its name comes from. Due to the fermentation it undergoes, sauerkraut offers nutrition and health benefits far beyond those of fresh cabbage.

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During the fermentation process, beneficial probiotics, or ‘live bacteria’, naturally reproduce, and these probiotics are what give sauerkraut most of its health benefits. Sauerkraut is a good source of dietary fiber and contains vitamins C and K, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The beneficial probiotics found in sauerkraut are important for good digestive health. More research is needed into the exact benefits of individual types of beneficial bacteria found in sauerkraut and other fermented foods, we do know that they contribute to a balance of good bacteria in your gut and can help to combat inflammation.

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Research has shown that probiotics help to reduce some digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, constipation and may be beneficial to those suffering from conditions such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Sauerkraut also contains enzymes that help the body to break down food into smaller, and more easily digestible molecules which in turn helps the body to absorb more nutrients.

The Cleveland Kitchen Approach

At Cleveland Kitchen, we believe in creating world-class culinary fermented foods for all. Fermented foods are regularly consumed within European and Asian cultures and we invested in finding a way for American consumers to simply and deliciously do the same- even at your next BBQ!

Our team truly believes that fermented foods are key to a healthier diet, and we want to make it effortless for people to savor them for any meal or occasion. With our approach, we bring fermented foods to the main course. Cleveland Kitchen uses the finest ingredients to make the best tasting sauerkraut and dressings. Our rustic cut provides a delicious crunch that is a perfect addition to any meal.

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Our products are made with love in Cleveland, Ohio. To us, Cleveland embodies a spirit of quality, hard work and authenticity. These are all traits that we reinforce every day when we produce our fermented foods and run our business. Our sustainability and integrity is an important part of our business, and we thoughtfully source our ingredients locally from Midwest farmers whenever possible. We are also proud to use innovative shipping and packaging materials to reduce waste and energy usage. E-commerce orders of our kraut are now shipped in a new insulated cooler that is made from recycled plastic drink bottles and is 100 percent recyclable.

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Our Cleveland Kitchen sauerkrauts have a flavor-first approach that adds a unique taste for all your meals. Our kraut is unpasteurized and Lacto-fermented, full of natural probiotics, nutrients and flavor. Here’s a bit more about our krauts:

Gnar Gnar- This is Cleveland’s answer to kimchi. This spicy & gnarly kraut will add a bold and delicious kick to any dish. Beware, you might get hooked!
Classic Caraway- Our take on a classic, the Classic Caraway packs traditional Bavarian flavor with a fresh crunch and robust taste. This is Grandma’s kraut with an edge. Throw the Classic on hot dogs, hamburgers, pierogies & sausages.
Roasted Garlic- Our garlic-forward variety is brimming with both raw & roasted garlic & a touch of fresh ground black pepper. Packed with pre & probiotics, this rich kraut is a perfect way to boost your immune system.
Whiskey Dill- This spirited kraut offers notes of fresh garlic & dill with barrel-aged whiskey that adds a subtle sweetness to each batch. This non-alcoholic ferment will add a delicious crunch that you crave.
Beet Red- Fresh fermented beets and carrots make the Beet Red kraut earthy & tart. Add a beautiful bite to meat dishes, hot dogs, and salads paired with goat cheese.
Curry Kraut- Bold & flavorful, the Curry Kraut packs tremendous health benefits in addition to natural probiotics. Turmeric, ginger & our blend of spices give this super kraut a healthy crunch with heat.

Beer-Braised Sausages and Classic Sauerkraut Recipe

Instructions

Set your pressure cooker crockpot to Brown/ Sear. Cook bacon pieces over moderate heat, stirring, until golden.
Add onions. Cook mixture, stirring, until onions are softened.
Combine with bacon mixture, carrots, potatoes, beer, broth, bay leaves, salt, and peppercorns. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add the Classic Caraway Kraut, cover the crockpot and cook on high for 60 min. Brown the sausages in a nonstick pan.
Once the mixture is fully cooked, place 1-2 brats on each plate.
Enjoy!