Zelova Vomacka Sauerkraut Gravy Recipes

SLOVAK CHRISTMAS EVE MUSHROOM SOUP

Steps:

• Saute chopped onions in 1 cup butter until golden brown.
• Add finely chopped mushrooms to onions, and cook until mushrooms are done.
• Add water and cans of sauerkraut juice, bring to boil, lower heat and simmer 1/2 hour.
• In a small sauce pan brown remaining 1/4 cup butter, adding flour to make a roux.
• Slowly add some soup juice (about 2 cups) to the roux, stirring to blend.
• Add roux to soup and cook another 15 minutes to 30 minutes. Serve.

UNCLE EMIL'S CZECH-STYLE SAUERKRAUT

Steps:

• Put sauerkraut & liquid, butter & caraway seeds in a lrg saucepan over med heat. When the mixture begins to bubble slightly, lower heat to simmer.
• Peel & grate the potato & onion. Add them to top of the kraut & press lightly into the kraut w/the flat surface of a spoon. Do not stir into the kraut.
• Cover & cont to simmer (add sml amt of water as needed) till the grated potato is cooked. Now combine the pan contents (this process keeps raw potato from scorching &/or sticking to the bottom of the pan).
• Add the applesauce, mix well & taste. Add more applesauce if you prefer a sweeter, more apple flavored kraut.
• All we need now is some meat flavor in the kraut. If you have meat drippings for that, deglaze your meat pan & add to the kraut. If not, add a chicken bouillon cube to the kraut. Be sure it's completely dissolved & mixed in well w/the kraut. Serve it up!
• NOTES: After pan contents are combined in #3, stir freq to ck moisture & prevent any ingredients from sticking to the pan. --- After the last step, you can cont to simmer if you feel the kraut is too liquid, but is unlikely to be needed.

KNEDLIKY - CZECH DUMPLING WITH SAUERKRAUT (ZELI)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center, and pour in the eggs and 1 cup of milk. Stir to blend, and add enough additional milk to make a moist battery dough, not like pancake batter. Use a sturdy wooden spoon to beat the dough at least 200 strokes, rolling it over and over in the bowl until smooth and an occasional bubble appears on the surface. Add the dry white bread cubes, and stir into the dough until they disappear.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place the dough onto a cheesecloth or white cotton cloth, and form into a loaf shape. Wrap the cloth around the loaf, and tie the ends.
• Place the loaf into the boiling water, and cook for 45 minutes, turning the loaf over about half way through. Remove from the water, unwrap, and cover with a tea towel. Let stand for 10 minutes.
• Fry bacon in a small skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned. Set aside. Place the drained sauerkraut into a saucepan, and add enough water to cover the surface. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add bacon, and season with salt, pepper and caraway seeds. Stir together the cornstarch and water; mix into the sauerkraut, and simmer for a few minutes before removing from the heat.
• Slice the dumpling loaf. Drizzle dumpling slices with some of the roast drippings from the pan. Serve with sauerkraut.

ZELOVA VOMACKA (SAUERKRAUT GRAVY)

Steps:

• Melt lard and add flour, stirring well.
• Add 2 cups sauerkraut juice, stirring constantly and bring to a hard boil.
• Add milk slowly, stirring constantly. I warm the milk slightly so it doesn't curdle when added.
• Add sauerkraut and stir.
• Serve over potato dumplings or fresh rye bread slices.