German Sauerkraut Pasta Gratin

The German Sauerkraut Pasta Gratin might sound a bit unusual or odd but it is worth it to try. Some people are skeptical about this combination of Sauerkraut and pasta but let me assure you, this combination is delicious. If you might think this cannot be a German recipe, it is an original proven German recipe. In Germany the wide ribbon pasta is used for making this dish, and tis pasta can be found at Trader Joe’s or online. You can use other pasta (or egg noodles) as well such as Spätzle, Fettuccine, Buccatini or thick spaghetti. Happy Cooking!

Ingredients Sauerkraut Pasta Gratin

500 g ribbon pasta (Pappardelle)  or similar pasta – Find ribbon pasta here – 
1 medium onion
1 garlic clove, optional
1 tbsp butter
100 g smoked ham or Speck (German bacon)
200 g cooked ham
500 g Sauerkraut (jar)
200 g grated Parmesan or Swiss cheese (Emmenthaler)
1/4 cup heavy cream, black pepper, dash oregano

Cooking Instructions Sauerkraut Pasta Gratin

– Boil pasta per instructions, drain thoroughly.
– Peel garlic and onion, chop fine.
– Cut ham and Speck in cubes.
– Saute onions and garlic in butter, add ham and Speck, then add Sauerkraut.
– Spice with salt, black pepper to taste, if you like add some caraway seeds.
– Cook for some minutes on low – medium heat.
– Grate cheese if necessary.
– Layer a fire proof form with Sauerkraut, pasta and cheese;
– Spice heavy cream with black pepper and oregano.
– Pour heavy cream over the gratin.
– Bake in pre-heated oven on 400 F for about 30 min (200C).
– If you like sprinkle it with some chopped chives.

Source for this German Recipe