German Mixed Grill Platter (Deutsches Grillgemischtes)

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Meats & Sausages

• 2 Thüringer Rostbratwurst (Thuringian grilled sausage)
• 4 Nürnberger Rostbratwurst (small Nuremberg sausages)
• 1 Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle, about 1.2 kg)
• 200 g Leberknödel (liver dumplings) or Bratwurst (optional)

Sides

• 500 g sauerkraut (German fermented cabbage)
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pork Knuckle Marinade

• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp mustard

For Serving

• Mustard (sweet Bavarian or spicy)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Dark rye bread or pretzels

Method

1. Prepare the Pork Knuckle

• Rinse and pat dry the pork knuckle.
• Mix salt, pepper, caraway seeds, garlic, and mustard into a paste. Rub all over the knuckle.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2. Roast the Pork Knuckle

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Place the knuckle on a rack in a roasting tray. Add a little water to the tray.
• Roast for 2–2.5 hours, turning occasionally, until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.

3. Cook the Sausages

• Grill or pan-fry the Thüringer and Nürnberger sausages over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 10–12 minutes.

4. Prepare the Sides

• Sauerkraut: Heat sauerkraut in a pan with a splash of water and caraway seeds if desired.
• Potato Dumplings: Boil potatoes until tender. Mash while warm, mix with flour and salt, and shape into small balls. Drop into boiling water and cook until they float (about 2–3 minutes).

5. Assemble the Platter

• Slice the pork knuckle and arrange on a large platter with the sausages.
• Add sauerkraut and potato dumplings.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with mustard and bread.

Tips

• Authentic Touch: Use a mix of regional sausages like Bratwurst, Bockwurst, or Blutwurst for variety.
• Beer Pairing: Serve with a cold German beer like Münchener Helles or Weißbier for the full experience.