Low Fat Sausage Stew

One package vegan sausage of choice (we used Beyond Meat)

One can sauerkraut (I like Bavarian style)

2-3 Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled, and sliced

One onion, sliced into rings

2-3# red potatoes, quartered

3 c. vegetable broth

Caraway seeds

In a crockpot, layer the potatoes, sauerkraut, apples, and onion. Pour in vegetable broth, and sprinkle with caraway seeds. Cook on High for 4 hours.

While cooking, cook your sausage in your preferred method. We bake ours, because it gives the outer part a nice crispness. When done and cool enough to touch, cut into coins and set aside.

When the vegetables are done, scoop a serving into a bowl and top with sausage, stir to mix.

Enjoy!

I served it with chewy ciabatta bread. This could be made in a Dutch oven and simmered until potatoes are tender.

German Sauerkraut Soup

Growing up, I didn't like sauerkraut. Then one day I sauteed some sausage and threw in some onions and green peppers. On a whim, I added a can of sauerkraut. I've kind of liked it ever since. Now my youngest has become quite fond of the stuff, so when I told him I was going to make a soup with it, he got pretty excited.

German Sauerkraut Soup

2 onions, diced
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery ribs, sliced
4 c. vegetable broth
2 c. sliced mushrooms
About 5 potatoes, cubed (I don't peel, but feel free to if you prefer)
One can of vegan cream of mushroom soup (or homemade, if you have a favorite recipe)
One can sauerkraut
2 t. dill
Salt and pepper to taste

Add everything to a pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to simmer and cook until potatoes are soft. Serve. Enjoy!

Sausage and Sauerkraut

Maybe it's because I have German ancestry, but I like sausage and sauerkraut. They kind of go together like ketchup and French fries.

Sausage and Sauerkraut

One green pepper, sliced
One onion, sliced
2 sausage links (I used Tofurky Kielbasa), sliced
One container vegan sour cream
One can Bavarian sauerkraut
1 T. paprika

Saute the green pepper and onion in olive oil until softened. Add the paprika and stir to mix in well. Add the sausage and sauerkraut and stir again to mix well. Cover and reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove lid and stir in the sour cream and mix well. Let heat through. Serve. Enjoy!

Serving this with a slice or slab of dark bread completes the meal!

Cruelty Free Reuben Sandwiches

I didn't exactly grow up eating Reubens, but my parents love them. When I told them I was going to make a version with mushrooms, they shuddered. Seriously, they stared at me in disbelief. Mushrooms? Surely they didn't hear me correctly.

Well, I don't know if mine could really be classified as a Reuben sandwich, but my non-vegan husband ate two. That is testament in and of itself.

Cruelty Free Reuben Sandwiches

Pumpernickel or rye bread
Vegan mayonnaise
Sauerkraut (I like Bavarian style)
Sliced vegan cheese
Sliced mushrooms

Toast the bread, then slather it with mayonnaise. Layer the mushrooms, then the sauerkraut, then top with a slice of cheese. Broil until the cheese gets melty. Serve. Enjoy!

Again, some washed out photo quality due to the flash, but trust me, these are delicious!