Steirische Krautnudeln
A hearty and flavorful Styrian dish combining pasta, sauerkraut, and smoked pork, often finished with a touch of sour cream. It's a comforting and rustic meal that showcases simple, quality ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Wide egg noodles (Eiernudeln)
- 500 g Sauerkraut(drained and roughly chopped)
- 150 g Smoked pork belly (Speck)(diced)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Caraway seeds
- 100 ml Vegetable broth or water
- 4 tbsp Sour cream(for serving (optional))
- 2 tbsp Fresh chives(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cook the egg noodles according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
💡 Tip: Reserve a little pasta water in case the dish becomes too dry. - 2
In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced smoked pork belly and cook until crispy and rendered, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the pork and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and caraway seeds, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the drained and chopped sauerkraut to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the pork and onions. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauerkraut to soften slightly.
- 6
Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and let it cook for another 10 minutes.
- 7
Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet with the sauerkraut mixture. Toss everything together gently until the noodles are well coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. - 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using good quality, naturally fermented sauerkraut is key to the flavor.
- ✓The smoked pork belly adds a crucial smoky depth; good quality bacon can be substituted if necessary.
- ✓Don't overcook the noodles; they will continue to cook slightly in the skillet.
🔄 Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use a good quality vegetable oil or butter, and consider adding some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Add a pinch of sugar to the sauerkraut if it is very sour.
- Some recipes include a small amount of caraway seeds for an authentic touch.