Braised Sauerkraut with Beans, Sausage, and Lascute

A Traditional Slovenian Dish for Cooler Days

Cooler days call for warm, comforting meals that are simple, nourishing, and practical. This braised sauerkraut dish combines sour cabbage, beans, sausages, and lascute (square pasta) into a satisfying, cozy meal. Perfect for a family lunch, it highlights familiar Slovenian flavors while using pantry staples that are available even when fresh vegetables are scarce.

A Dish for Cooler Days

In the colder months, this dish works beautifully with preserved ingredients. Sauerkraut and beans provide flavor, texture, and nutrition, while sausages and lascute make the meal filling and comforting. It’s a practical, homey dish that proves simple cooking can be satisfying without relying on fresh produce. [Read more: Cook your food - digestive system explained in Traditional Chinese medicine] [Read more: Winter Breakfast for Cold Winter Mornings]

Recipe: Braised Sauerkraut with Beans, Sausage, and Lascute

Serves: 4 | Prep: 15–20 min | Cook: 30–40 min

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp lard or oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 smoked or fresh sausages (e.g., Kranjska), sliced

• 400 g sauerkraut, rinsed if too sour

• 150 g cooked or canned beans (white or red)

• 150–200 g lascute (homemade square pasta)

• 1 dl water or stock

• 2 bay leafs

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat lard or oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until golden. Add sausage slices and cook for 2 minutes.

2. Stir in sauerkraut, garlic, and beans. Cook for 1 minute while stirring.

3. Add water or stock and bay leafs. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.

4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.

5. Meanwhile, cook lascute separately according to package instructions until just tender. Drain.

6. Fold the cooked lascute into the sauerkraut mixture before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Practical Comfort

Braised sauerkraut with beans, sausage, and lascute is a simple, satisfying meal for cooler days. It combines warmth, protein, and wholesome ingredients to provide nourishment during colder months, all without complicated techniques or rare ingredients. Easy and quick to prepare, making it a reliable choice for busy lunches or family meals.