If you live in Akron, you probably eat sauerkraut balls at least several times a year. It is a dish peculiar to northern Ohio, and no one knows whether it originated with German immigrants or Polish immigrants. No one knows how old the custom is, either. But this is Akron's dish, and they aren't just balls of sauerkraut. They are a combination of sauerkraut, pork, eggs, onion, and spices rolled into a huge ball, then breaded and deep fried, served with a creamy sauce. Thao Thai tells us what it's like to eat sauerkraut balls as a newcomer to Akron and then as a long-time resident.
You probably won't find sauerkraut balls in a restaurant outside of Ohio, so you'll have to make your own if you are far away. There are plenty of recipes that vary widely, but to get you started, here's one that relies on cream cheese as a binder and one that relies on eggs. -via Metafilter
(Image credit: Counselman Collection)