Does sauerkraut need to be drained before putting it in the slow cooker with hot dogs and kielbasa?

You don't need to drain the sauerkraut before putting it in the slow cooker with hot dogs and kielbasa, but it's recommended.

Here's why:

* Excess liquid can make the dish watery: Sauerkraut contains a lot of brine, which can dilute the flavors and make the final product too soupy. Draining some of the liquid can help prevent this.

* Better flavor concentration: By reducing the liquid, the flavors of the sauerkraut, hot dogs, and kielbasa become more concentrated and intense.

* Easier to cook: With less liquid, the hot dogs and kielbasa cook more evenly and don't get soggy.

How to drain sauerkraut:

* Use a colander: Rinse the sauerkraut in a colander under cold water, then let it drain completely.

* Press out excess liquid: Wrap the sauerkraut in a clean tea towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

Ultimately, it's up to your preference. You can try both ways to see what you like best!