Best Sauerkraut - Encore & More (2024)

Published: Jan 18, 2022 · Modified: Sep 13, 2023 by Yvonne

Only eaten sauerkraut raw so far? Then, you’re in for a treat when I show youhow to cook sauerkraut from a jar. The savory delight perfectly balances the tangy goodness of sauerkraut with a medley of aromatic spices and a rich infusion of beef stock.

I’m all for comforting dishes that deliver a bunch of health benefits. And this cooked sauerkraut recipe is right up my alley. My grandma and my mum served it regularly when I grew up and showed me how to cook sauerkraut. In my native Austria, sauerkraut is traditionally served with hearty dishes like slow-roasted pork, hash browns, bratwurst and dumplings.

Over the years, I also started making cooked sauerkraut and often just ate it as a main dish. Bonus: Sauerkraut is ultra-nourishing and the perfect comforting dish for a balanced meal plan.

Fancy a nourishing and delicious side dish? Try thisherb-roasted butternut squashand5-minute Asian cucumber salad.They bring all the flavour and nourish your body while eating. Check them out and let me know what you think in the comments.

What is sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut is the fermented product of cabbage. First, the cabbage is shredded and seasoned with salt and other spices. Then, the mixture is put in a sealable container, usually a wooden barrel or jar. When stored, the cabbage releases some liquid during the fermentation process. This brine turns it sour and makes it develop health benefits after sitting for days or even weeks of fermenting.

You can eat sauerkraut raw and use it for salads and nourishing bowls. The Korean version of Sauerkraut is Kimchi, which you most likely have tried if you like Asian cuisine. I mostly buy organic sauerkraut in a jar or bag and cook it using this recipe. Want to know more about the nourishing benefits of this delicious dish? Scroll down for more info.

Why is sauerkraut healthy?

Although the raw produce, aka cabbage, already comes with nourishing benefits. Turned into sauerkraut, it becomes a nutrient-rich powerhouse. The fermented vegetable is low in calories and a great source of fiber. It contains vitamins C and K, iron, and copper amongst others.

The fermentation process has another effect- It creates an environment where probiotics are grown. The same probiotics are found in yogurt. Probiotics support digestion and can help your gut take in the vitamins and minerals of the cabbage better.

Why you'll love this recipe

• Balance flavors- This cooked sauerkraut recipe delivers a perfect balance of tanginess from the sauerkraut, earthiness from the spices, and richness from the beef stock. This harmonious blend of flavors is so satisfying.
• Versatile- Serve it as a side dish alongside your favorite meats or as a standalone main course.
• Comfort food- The warm and hearty nature of this sauerkraut dish makes it a comforting choice, especially during colder seasons.
• Easy preparation- Drain, season, cook! I'll show you how to cook sauerkraut easily and have a flavorful result.
• Nutrient-rich- Sauerkraut is known for its probiotic properties and the health benefits associated with fermented foods.

Ingredient notes

• Sauerkraut- Opt for packaged jarred or bagged sauerkraut, as their taste is fresher when compared to the canned version. You can also make your own sauerkraut if you enjoy fermentation projects.
• Onion- I used yellow onion in this recipe. But you can also use white or brown onions if you have them on hand.
• Garlic- I recommend using fresh garlic in this recipe as it is more flavorful and potent than garlic powder.
• Caraway seeds- Don't have caraway seeds? Substitute them with fennel or dill seeds for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
• Juniper berries- Juniper berries add a subtle earthy flavor to the dish. If you can't find juniper berries, you can omit them.
• Curry powder- Adjust the amount of curry powder to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less curry powder. If you enjoy a stronger flavor, add more.
• Beef stock- For a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish, substitute vegetable stock or broth for the beef stock. Alternatively, you can use chicken or mushroom broth for different flavor profiles.
• Salt and pepper- Be mindful of the salt you add, as sauerkraut can already be salty. Taste the dish before adding additional salt and adjust as needed.

Tips & substitutions

• Rinse and squeeze- When you use sauerkraut from a jar or bag, rinse it under cold water and squeeze out any excess liquid. This helps to reduce the saltiness and tartness of the sauerkraut.
• Spice it up- Next to the usual spices, like caraway seeds, juniper berries, and bay leaves, this recipe also contains an unusual ingredient. A pinch of yellow curry powder enhances the color of the sauerkraut and adds to the flavor. A secret tip from my mum I always follow.
• Simmer gently- Once you've added the beef stock, lower the heat to prevent the sauerkraut from boiling vigorously. A gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld together without overcooking the sauerkraut.
• Make it vegan- To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, substitute vegetable stock or broth for the beef stock.

How to cook sauerkraut

Step 1: Drain the sauerkraut and press out as much liquid as possible. Peel and finely mince the onion and garlic.

Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil on medium heat in a pot and roast the onions for about a minute, until golden. Add the garlic and roast for a couple of seconds, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Add the sauerkraut, juniper berries, caraway seeds, bay leaves, yellow curry powder, salt, and pepper. Roast for about a minute, stirring frequently.

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Step 4: Pour in the beef or vegetable stock, cover with a fitting lid, and cook on low heat for about 45 minutes until soft. After 30 minutes, sift in one tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken if needed.

Step 5: Serve with roasted meat and sausages, starchy vegetables, or eat on its own for a nourishing snack.

Expert tip

After sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices,deglaze the panwith a flavorful liquid before adding the sauerkraut. Add a splash of white wine, dry sherry, or apple cider vinegar to the hot pan. The liquid will sizzle and lift the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Deglazing the pan enhances the overall taste of the sauerkraut by incorporating those concentrated flavors into the dish.

What to eat with cooked sauerkraut

• Sausages:The most classic pairing with cooked sauerkraut are sausages, such as bratwurst, kielbasa, or Italian sausage. The savory, slightly smoky flavors contrast well with the tanginess of sauerkraut.
• Roast pork:Dishes like pork loin or pork roast are another excellent choice. The richness of the roast pork complements the acidity of the sauerkraut.
• Chicken:Roast or grilled chicken is a lighter option that pairs well with sauerkraut.
• Potatoes:Boiled or mashed potatoes are a classic side to serve with sauerkraut. In Austria, we also like to pair it with hash browns. It is a great combination of textures and flavors.
• Mustard:Offer a variety of mustards, such as Dijon, whole-grain, or spicy brown mustard, as condiments to enhance the flavors of your sauerkraut dish.
• Apples:Sliced or sautéed apples provide a touch of sweetness and freshness to counterbalance the sauerkraut tang.

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Nutritional values are estimates only calculated with the recipe calorie and nutrition calculator provided byverywellfit.com. The author of this website is not a nutritionist nor a doctor. All nutritional data provided in the recipes and correspondent blog posts are for informational purposes only. Do not use the information as nutritional or medical advice.