Table of Contents
Learn more about sauerkraut, the superfood, whether you’re already a fan of fermented foods or interested in adding more healthy probiotic vegetables to your diet. Usually sauerkraut is organically fermented, some jars may contain vegetables and spices. The process of lacto-fermentation, a byproduct of naturally occurring bacteria that also gives yogurt and buttermilk their distinct flavor, gives sauerkraut its tangy, acidic flavor.
Many recipes that call for sauerkraut have an Eastern European flair, due to the fact that fermentation was widely used in Eastern Europe to preserve the vegetable throughout the winter when fresh produce was scarce. Since sauerkraut is so closely associated with Germanic cuisine, many people are surprised to learn that the practice of preserving cabbage dates back to the Great Wall of China. So, these ideas will inspire you to use more sauerkraut in your cooking, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty dinner or a juicy sandwich.
Read more: 23 Types Of Potatoes And When To Use Them
Homemade Pierogi
You can pair the packed dough with Asian dumplings or Italian ravioli, Poland has its own version of warm dough packets filled with spices and potatoes, called pierogi. Traditionally, dumplings are topped with salty sour cream and, for harmony, salty fermented sauerkraut.
Making pierogi is a labor of love that you can enjoy in the kitchen with loved ones. Rings of soft dough are rolled out, then a dollop of seasoned filling is folded into a loose half moon shape. The dough is then cooked by boiling or steaming in a pan, and the final step is to lightly brown it in a hot, greased pan. These tasty dumplings are the perfect accompaniment to sauerkraut!
Recipe: Homemade Pierogi
Classic Reuben Sandwich
The origins of this iconic sandwich with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, corned beef and Russian dressing are debated, but the appeal of the toasted Reuben sandwich cannot be denied. Adding some sauerkraut to this traditional dish can be one of the tastiest ways to get your recommended daily intake of fermented foods. The spiciness helps balance out the salty, fatty corned beef, and the pickled cabbage provides a fresh counterpoint to all the melted cheese and dressing that makes the Reuben so irresistible. There’s always good fermented sauerkraut waiting for you in the refrigerator so it’s easy to make Reubens whenever needed.
Recipe: Classic Reuben Sandwich
Sauerkraut Soup
The cooks at Bar Tartine in San Francisco have created a traditional celebration soup from Eastern Europe that’s perfect for making ahead of time and refrigerating for a warm and satisfying dinner. In addition to fermented cabbage, the sweet and sour soup includes a probiotic-rich sauerkraut brine. This soup hits all the major flavor highlights with the smoky flavors of bacon and chorizo and the subtle sweetness of dried apricots. It’s a celebration of flavors that you’ll serve any day. Bell peppers, potatoes, and button mushrooms add zest to the soup, guaranteeing that you’ll feel warm and satisfied from the inside out.
Recipe: How To Make A Sauerkraut Soup
Slow Cooker Beer Brats
Savory bratwurst is delicious to grill, but it’s not worth getting on the grill every day. For a year-round German delight, try this slow-simmered brats dish, which combines the flavors of sauerkraut, beer, and mustard cooked right on your counter. If you don’t like sauerkraut’s strong acidity, you’ll be happy to see how this cooking technique transforms the flavor. Since the potatoes are cooked directly in the saucepan, this dish is satisfying without the need for additional ingredients. However, you can serve a luscious sauce over buttered German spaetzle to fully absorb the earthy flavor.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Beer Brats
Choucroute Garnie
This is an Alsatian braised meal that will turn your sauerkraut into a meat lover’s dream. Sauerkraut is known by its French name, choucroute, and the dish it promises is a mouthwatering combination of well-cooked cured meats. You get a delicious blend of soft cabbage that almost melts into the braised pork and sausage because of the long, slow cooking time that allows you to tame any harsh flavors associated with sauerkraut. When serving this, make sure you have a crusty bread ready to soak up every last bit of the umami-rich broth.
Recipe: Choucroute Garnie
Kielbasa And Sauerkraut Skillet
In this simple weekday one-pot meal, sauerkraut is softened by the aromatic combination of fried onions and brown kielbasa. With a surprisingly minimal list of ingredients, the flavor of the dish is entirely contributed by the smoked sausage. This dish is quite flexible; It can be cooked on the stovetop, layered in a slow cooker, or prepared in the Instant Pot. The secret to adding flavor to kielbasa is to toast it first, regardless of the cooking method you use. Sauerkraut is easy to serve every day of the week with this tasty and straightforward recipe.
Recipe: Kielbasa And Sauerkraut Skillet
Sandor Katz’s Sauerkraut
Making a batch for yourself is a great way to meet your brats and other cooking needs. Fermentation expert Sander Katz has written the book on everything fermented, so we have all the advice you need. With a little help from you, nature knows exactly what to do, making the process surprisingly straightforward.
A clean, quart-sized mason jar that can hold 1.5 pounds of fermenting vegetables. Since it is important to keep the vegetables below the liquid level, fermentation vessels are often tall and narrow (like jars), as this is easier to achieve by opening smaller containers. You can eat your homemade sauerkraut on its own or use it in any of your new favorite dishes after just three or four days at room temperature.
Recipe: How To Make Sauerkraut
READ | Best 15 Most Well-liked Italian Recipes
1 thought on “The best 8 recipes for Sauerkraut”