Super Simple Sauerkraut Recipe
In the world of home cooking, there's something special about creating your own fermented foods. Not only is it a fun and rewarding process, but it's also a fantastic way to incorporate beneficial probiotics into your diet. One such delightful and easy-to-make fermented dish is sauerkraut. This tangy, crunchy condiment is not only delicious but also packed with gut-friendly bacteria. Our Super Simple Sauerkraut Recipe requires just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, resulting in a flavorful homemade sauerkraut that will elevate any dish it accompanies.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by removing the outer leaves of the cabbage and setting them aside. Slice the cabbage into thin strips, discarding the core.
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Place the sliced cabbage into a large bowl and sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top.
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Using clean hands, massage the cabbage and salt together, squeezing and pressing the cabbage as you go. Continue this process for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cabbage has released enough liquid to cover it.
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Pack the cabbage tightly into a clean glass jar, pressing down firmly to ensure that the cabbage is submerged in its own liquid. If necessary, pour in a bit of filtered water to cover the cabbage completely.
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Fold one of the reserved outer cabbage leaves and place it over the top of the shredded cabbage, acting as a 'lid' to keep the cabbage submerged in the brine.
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Loosely cover the jar with a clean cloth or coffee filter secured with a rubber band. This will allow gases to escape during fermentation.
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Place the jar in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, and let it ferment for 1-2 weeks. Check on the sauerkraut every few days, pressing down on the cabbage to release any trapped air bubbles.
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Taste the sauerkraut after a week to gauge its tanginess. If you prefer a stronger flavor, let it ferment for longer.
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Once the sauerkraut has reached your desired level of tanginess, remove the outer leaf, secure the jar with a lid, and transfer it to the refrigerator to slow down the fermentation process.
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Your homemade Super Simple Sauerkraut is now ready to enjoy! Serve it as a side dish, a topping for sandwiches or hot dogs, or incorporate it into your favorite recipes for added flavor and a boost of gut-friendly probiotics.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 serving (100g)- Calories
- 45 kcal
- Total Fat
- 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat
- 0 g
- Cholesterol
- 0 mg
- Sodium
- 709 mg
- Total Carbohydrate
- 10.6 g
- Dietary Fiber
- 4.1 g
- Sugars
- 5.3 g
- Protein
- 2.2 g
Homemade sauerkraut not only tastes better than store-bought versions, but it's also free of any preservatives or unnecessary additives. With just two simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a delicious and nutritious condiment that will enhance your meals and support your gut health. Experiment with different seasonings like caraway seeds or garlic for a unique twist on this classic recipe. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own probiotic-rich sauerkraut at home and savor the delicious results!