Now this post isn’t for the kids, this is for the mommies and daddies out there and especially those living in Colorado, well the Colorado Springs area to be exact. If you don’t know about Oktoberfest then you’re truly missing out and I’m not just talking about missing out on the drinks, but you’re missing out on the food and of course the fun! The Colorado Springs Oktoberfest this year will be a 3 day event from Friday September 25 – Sunday September 27, and it’s going to be amazing from the events that I’ve seen that are scheduled. From the exotic German cars, the Maypole Ribbon Dance, German Costume Contest and of course the authentic German food, plus more. Tickets for this spectacular event are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for kids. Or you can buy a weekend pass for $28. I’m definitely picking me up a weekend pass because I don’t want to miss a thing! You can visit the website for more info. Well today I want to share with you a recipe that will be sure to get things started for Oktoberfest. It’s the Oktoberfest Lager Stew.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (14 oz) package smoked sausage, cut into bite-sized slices
1 ½ onion, sliced into thin semi-circles
¼ small head cabbage (cut in half, halved again and cored – thinly sliced)
½ teaspoons ground black pepper
Pinch of salt
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup German beer
2 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed into bite-sized pieces
2 ½ cups hot chicken stock
1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Directions:
1. Add oil to a large pot on medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add sliced smoked sausage and allow the slices to caramelize for 4-5 minutes.
2. Once sausage is browned, add in sliced onions and cabbage, stir and continue cooking until softened.
3. Season with black pepper, pinch of salt and garlic. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in the cup of lager, stir and allow the beer to slightly reduce for approximately 3 minutes.
5. Add in the cubed potatoes and hot chicken stock, stir and allow the mixture to come to a boil.
6. Once stew begins to boil, place a lid on (slightly askew to allow just a little steam to escape), and reduce the heat to low to simmer for 40 minutes.
7. After 40 minutes, turn off the heat and finish the stew by stirring in the apple cider vinegar and chopped parsley.
Add additional salt if needed.
Let’s discuss: Have you ever attended an Oktoberfest festival?
