Plant Based Crockpot Beer Brats

The temperature is slowly beginning to drop here in South Carolina. If only the humidity would drop as well! With cooler weather, I am drawn to crockpot recipes more and more. Often, slow cooker recipes are cozy and comforting. Plus, it is SO convenient to throw a bunch of ingredients in, set the temperature, and go about your day while the food cooks. Perfect for busy individuals and families!

Plant Based Diet

Eating plant based does not mean eating or being vegan. A lot of times the terms are used interchangeably but don’t let that confuse you. Eating plant based does not mean your diet has to be 100% free of animal product. People often choose a plant based diet for health reasons and/or environmental sustainability.

Not going to go into a lecture about global warming, I promise! I began reducing meat consumption gradually over the past few years and have pretty much stopped eating red meat entirely. Meat and dairy production accounts for almost 15% of global greenhouse emissions. In my opinion, a shift in diet across the board is going to be necessary to meet worldwide goals to reduce global warming.

Pure Farmland

Please note that I work with and recommend brands I use and trust. I am working with Pure Farmland on fun recipes like these beer brats. If you’re aiming to reduce your meat consumption or are already wholly plant-based, Pure Farmland is a great brand for you to try. PF’s products are crafted in the US and feature purposefully chosen ingredients from around the world. The brand has the motto “good things are grown from the ground up!”

Beer Brats – Star Players

Pure Farmland Dinner Links: Pure Farmland’s mild Italian dinner links are perfect mixed with pasta, pizza, and casseroles. Or, as I did here, with your favorite sausage bun and toppings! The links are made with natural ingredients and are gluten and dairy free. Perfect for those with dietary sensitivities.

Sauerkraut with Caraway Seeds: SO MUCH FLAVOR! Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage. The fermented flavor plus the strong flavor of caraway seeds is essential for this recipe. If you’re not a huge fan of sauerkraut (I’m not), you can rinse and drain the kraut before adding to the crockpot to reduce the sourness.

Beer: Golden and amber ales are best with this recipe as those ales pair best with pork flavors. The beer brings out the richness of the flavors and is truly a star player. I used O’Douls non-alcoholic brew. You, of course, can use alcoholic beer of any kind!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Materials Needed:

1. Medium skillet
2. Spatula
3. Non-stick spray
4. Crockpot – at least 3.5 quart
5. Fork
6. Bottle opener

Ingredients:

• 1 16 oz package plant based dinner links
• 1 15 oz can sauerkraut with caraway seeds
• 1 large red onion – thinly sliced
• 1 12 oz bottle golden ale (or amber ale)
• 1 tbsp dill seeds
• 4 tbsp butter cut into 4 pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sausage buns
• Optional: pickles and German mustard

Process:

Yield: 5 servings

Spray skillet with non-stick spray and heat over medium high heat. Add links to skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned on all side. Remove from heat. Peel and thinly slice onion.

Spray crockpot with non-stick spray. Add sauerkraut, onion, and dill seeds. Place browned links on top and use a form to bring sauerkraut and onion mixture over links. Add salt and pepper to taste. Note that sauerkraut has high sodium so salt may not be necessary.) Pour beer over the contents of the crockpot. Spread out butter squares on top. Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

Serve in your favorite sausage buns and add the sauerkraut and onion mixture on top plus pickles and mustard, if desired.