Fried Sauerkraut Cakes with Kielbasa

Ingredients

• 1 (1-pound) package sauerkraut (not canned)
• rinsed and drained well (2 3/4 cups)
• 2 large eggs
• lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped scallion greens
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 pound smoked beef and pork kielbasa
• cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices
• Accompaniment: warm applesauce

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 250°F.

2. 2

   Pat sauerkraut dry between paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible, then transfer to a bowl and stir in eggs, flour, scallion greens, salt, and pepper until combined.

3. 3

   Heat 1/4 inch oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking.

4. 4

   Fill a 1/4-cup measure three-fourths full with sauerkraut mixture, then turn out into oil, using a fork to release, and flatten to 3 1/2 inches in diameter with fork.

5. 5

   Form 2 more cakes in skillet, then fry, turning over once, until golden, about 4 minutes total.

6. 6

   Transfer cakes with a slotted spatula to paper towels to drain.

7. 7

   Keep cakes warm on a rack set in a shallow baking pan in oven.

8. 8

   Fry more cakes in same manner with remaining mixture.

9. 9

   Brown kielbasa in 2 batches in oil remaining in skillet over moderate heat, turning, 2 minutes per batch, then transfer to paper towels to drain.

10. 10

    Serve cakes topped with kielbasa.