Beer and brats – bratwurst – are definitely not my favorite two food items.

Granted, they do have a time and a place served at a backyard BBQ or tailgate party.
However, I consider my taste buds, palate, and personality just a tad more elegant and sophisticated than that.

Yes, really.
I’m sure you never guessed that, right?

Thus, with summer grilling just around the corner and the thought of bratwurst on the barbie, I decided to fancy things up a bit with some gorgeously caramelized carrots and a rich oatmeal stout braise.

Oh, and by the way, we LOVE New Holland Brewery beer – Dragon’s Milk is the very best.

Caramelized Carrot Ribbons and Beer Braised Brats

1/2 yellow onion, diced
2 organic carrots, scrubbed
2 Tbs. butter
sea salt and pepper
12 oz. stout beer
2 large bratwurst

Using a potato peeler, create “ribbon” strands from the carrots.
Melt the butter in a large cast iron pot over medium heat and add onions and carrot ribbons. As the onions and carrots begin to caramelize, continue to stir and season with salt and pepper. After about 2-3 minutes, add 3 oz. stout beer and reduce until thick. Set the veggies aside.
Using the same pot, add the bratwurst (sliced or whole – you can slice later to maintain a better shape) and the remainder of the beer. Cook, covered, until the brats are cooked through and the sauce is super rich and thick.
Serve tossed with the onions and carrots, as well as mashed parsnips, if desired.