Ingredients
1/2 head red cabbage, thinly shredded
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cloudy apple cider
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, such as Braggs brand
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup, divided
A few juniper berries (optional)
A few allspice berries
1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
1/2 teaspoon coriander seed
1 teaspoon caraway seed
1 large fresh bay leaf
Salt and pepper
4 fresh bratwurst sausages
Canola oil, for drizzling
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup pickle relish
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons chives, chopped
8 slices rye bread
1/2 pound Emmentaler Swiss cheese, sliced
Deli-style garlic or half sour pickles
Directions
Place the cabbage, onion, cider, cider vinegar, brown sugar, 1/4 cup ketchup, the juniper berries, if using, allspice berries, mustard, coriander and caraway seeds and bay leaf in a medium size pot. Season liberally with salt and pepper and bring to boil. Reduce the heat and partially cover; cook until the cabbage is very tender and the flavor develops, 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Heat a grill pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Simmer the fresh sausages in an inch of water to cook them through. If they are cooked brat,wurst skip this step. Butterfly the bratwursts so they open like a book. Griddle on both sides with a drizzle of oil until crispy and brown. Wipe the griddle clean. Combine sour cream, the remaining 1/4 cup ketchup, relish, fresh herbs, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Spread the bread on one side lightly with butter. Dress the other side of the bread with the sauce and layer the cheese, sausage, cabbage, cheese and bread, with the buttered sides facing out. Grill the sandwiches over medium heat until crispy and brown and the cheese melts.
