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Rustic Kielbasa, Apple & Sauerkraut with Mashed Potatoes

Smoky browned kielbasa tossed with tangy sauerkraut, sweet apple, onions and caraway, then served over buttery mashed potatoes for an easy, hearty dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the kielbasa & sauerkraut
  • 2 12 oz packages kielbasa, sliced into thick rounds
  • 1 24 oz jar sauerkraut, drained
  • 1 medium yellow onion sliced
  • 1 medium apple peeled, cored and diced or thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Salt if needed
For the mashed potatoes
  • 5 –6 medium russet potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3/4 cup milk or heavy cream as needed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Add the potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
  2. While the potatoes cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until nicely browned on both sides.
  3. Add the sliced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened and beginning to brown.
  4. Stir in the apple and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds. Season with black pepper, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is hot and the apples and onions are tender.
  6. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and enough milk to reach your preferred consistency. Mash until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates and top generously with the kielbasa, apple and sauerkraut mixture.

Notes

Sauerkraut and kielbasa can both be fairly salty, so taste before adding additional salt. A tart-sweet apple such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady or Granny Smith works especially well here.