A comforting and flavorful stew combining sauerkraut, sausage, and hearty vegetables.
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then remove and set aside.
Crisping the bacon first adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
Using the bacon drippings to sauté the onion enhances the flavor.
Layer the sauerkraut, potatoes, carrots, and apples in the crockpot.
Layering helps distribute flavors evenly during cooking.
Add the cooked bacon, sausage slices, caraway seeds, brown sugar, and water to the crockpot.
Mix gently to combine all ingredients without crushing them.
Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Cooking low and slow allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve the stew warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving with a side of crusty bread makes it a complete meal.