Cooking Lecture Notes: Sauerkraut Preparation

Introduction

• Recipe introduction in both English and French
• Description of "sour cabbage" or sauerkraut, a traditional German dish
• Purpose: Sharing the recipe with dentist and friends through a video

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Pork hocks: Marinated in salt brine
• Bacon: Thick smoked bacon, cut into stripes (alternative: normal bacon)
• Ham: Kassler rip or any kind of pork
• Onion: One, sliced
• Juniper berries: 15 to 20, crushed
• Bay leaves: 7 to 8 leaves

Additional Ingredients

• Sausages: German Knackwurst and Viennese sausages (origination of hot dogs)
• Sauerkraut: Washed and tasted for saltiness
• Potato: Grated to thicken the stew
• Bouillon cubes: Chicken base for flavor

Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Meat

1. Boil Pork Hocks:

   • Combine pork hocks with 1 liter of water
   • Add chicken base cubes
   • Simmer slowly for about 1 hour

2. Prepare Bacon:

   • Cut the bacon into large pieces
   • Cook until golden color develops

3. Handle Sausages:

   • Add sausages at the end of cooking to prevent cracking

Preparing the Sauerkraut

• Wash and taste-test the sauerkraut for saltiness
• If too salty, wash with cold water until bland
• Add sauerkraut to the pot

Cooking Process

1. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add diced onions to the bacon; they will dissolve during cooking
   • Add bay leaves and juniper berries during stew preparation

2. Simmer the Stew:

   • Use a cast iron pot for optimal heat retention
   • Simmer for about 1 hour, check regularly

Finalizing the Dish

1. Thicken the Stew:

   • Grate raw potatoes and incorporate into the stew
   • Cook additional 10 minutes to thicken

2. Add Sausages:

   • Add sausages last to avoid cracking
   • Allow a few minutes for sausages to cook

Serving

• Prepared dish should be enough for 2 to 4 people
• Plan to deliver the dish warm to the recipient

Conclusion

• Aim to share a traditional German meal with others
• Emphasis on personal touches and cleanliness of preparation
• Wishes for a good meal and enjoyment by the recipient

Personal Notes

• Enjoy the process of cooking and sharing cultural dishes
• Remember to taste and adjust seasonings as necessary