Super Bowl Recipe: Ohio Classic Sauerkraut Balls

Now that we're back in my home state of Ohio, (thank God!) we're finding that there are a lot of North-Eastern Ohio foods to try. Jo-Jo's are my favorite, and Dan LOVES Sauerkraut Balls. Basically, they're like a Reuben in a nice little deep fried ball of yumminess. They're also surprisingly simple to make!

This year for our Super Bowl party, I will definitely be making a big batch of these. They're totally man-friendly, and my kids love them, too! I have a feeling I will be making them quite often, but I don't mind. It means Dan won't have to run out to Rockne's every time he has a hankering for these tasty little treats.

Want the recipe? Keep reading!

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Ohio Sauerkraut Balls

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  
• 1 onion, finely chopped
  
• 1 cup finely chopped cooked ham
  
• 1 cup finely chopped corned beef
  
• 1/2 clove garlic, crushed
  
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  
• 2 cups sauerkraut, drained and minced
  
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 

• 1/2 cup beef broth
  
• 1 egg
  
• 2 cups milk
  
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 4 cups bread crumbs
  
• 1 quart oil for frying
  

Directions:

1. In a large pan, melt butter over medium-low heat, making sure not to burn it. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in ham, corned beef and garlic. Cook mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Stir in 6 tablespoons flour and cook mixture over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.
2. Stir in sauerkraut, parsley, and broth; cook until thickened. Spread mixture on a platter and chill for at least 3 hours.
3. Heat oil in deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a bowl, whisk together the egg, milk and 2 1/2 cups flour. Shape the sauerkraut mixture by level teaspoons in to balls, dip them into the egg mixture and roll them in the bread crumbs.
4. Fry balls in batches for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Serve warm.
5. You can dip these in honey mustard or Thousand Island dressing for some amazing flavor!