Roast Pheasants with Buffalo Sausages and Sparkling Cider Sauerkraut
Updated June 13, 2016 
The sauerkraut can be prepared up to a day in advance. Bring to room temperature and reheat on stove top.
Serves6
Cooking Methodroasting
CostSplurge
Total Timeunder 4 hours
Make Ahead RecipeYes
Kid FriendlyYes
One Pot MealYes
OccasionFormal Dinner Party
Recipe Coursemain course
Five Ingredients or LessYes
Mealdinner
Moodadventurous
Taste and Texturefruity, savory, tart
Ingredients
- 6 pounds sauerkraut, washed in cold water to remove brine and squeezed dry
- 3 thick slices smoked bacon
- 1 medium-size yellow onion, diced
- 1 tart apple, diced
- 2 quarts sparkling cider
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 2 pheasants (each about 3 pounds)
- ¼ pound unsalted butter
- 8 juniper berries, bruised
- 2 fresh or dried sage sprigs
- 2 pounds buffalo sausage links
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325°. When the sauerkraut is washed and the moisture removed, fluff the sauerkraut strands and reserve.
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In a large skillet or saucepan, render the bacon fat but do not allow the bacon to crisp or brown. Remove the bacon to an ovenproof casserole. Add the onions to the rendered fat and sauté until wilted. Add the apple and sauerkraut. Pour in the sparkling cider and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Mix in the caraway seeds. Transfer the sauerkraut mixture to the casserole with the bacon. Cover the casserole and bake for 3 hours, tossing the mixture every hour. Remove and keep covered.
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Preheat the oven to 425°. Melt the butter in a heavy ovenproof skillet. Divide the juniper and sage between the cavities of both birds. Truss the birds. Brown the birds evenly on all sides. Place the skillet in the oven and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until the juices run pale pink.
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While the birds are cooking, prick the sausages and cook them in a heavy skillet with about ½ cup water until browned.
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To serve, cut up one or both pheasants. Arrange the meats attractively over the sauerkraut and dust with the chopped parsley.
Christopher Idone
