Grilled Bratwurst Sandwiches with Tomato Jam and Sauerkraut

By garciamoss

Give those hot dogs and burgers the night off and grill up a sandwich with substance instead. Ripe tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and fresh thyme make a tangy, jam-like condiment for these hearty sandwiches. If you don't have a grill or you're rained out, cook the bratwurst on a grill pan on the stovetop, or broil them. They'll taste just as good.

Ingredients

• 3 medium ripe tomatoes (3/4 to 1 pound), cored and chopped
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 uncooked bratwursts (about 1-1/4 pound)
• 4 hoagie sandwich rolls, split
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1 cup bagged sauerkraut, drained
• 1/3 cup lower-salt chicken broth

Details

Adapted from finecooking.com

Preparation

Step 1

Prepare a medium gas or charcoal grill fire.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer, stirring often, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture resembles a thick, chunky ketchup, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper; set aside.

Grill the sausages, turning occasionally, until cooked through and dark golden-brown all over, 10 to 15 minutes. During the last few minutes of cooking, toast the sandwich rolls on the grill, 30 seconds to 1 minute per side.

While the sausages are cooking, heat the oil and the cumin seed in a small saucepan over medium heat until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the sauerkraut, broth, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Spread the rolls with some of the tomato jam and then place a sausage inside each. Top the sausages with the sauerkraut and serve.
Serving Suggestions

Serve with a tangy German Potato Salad on the side.