Sauerkraut, thinly sliced and fermented cabbage, is a popular health food. During fermentation, beneficial bacteria transform the cabbage, giving it a unique flavor profile—tangy and slightly salty. The result is a versatile ingredient that can be used to add a delightful zing to various dishes, from sandwiches and salads to hearty stews and sausages. Sauerkraut's probiotic properties are known for promoting gut health, making it both a flavorful and nutritious addition to your meals.
But sauerkraut also plays a role in many cuisines that go beyond eating a bit raw as a side.
In Central European and Slavic cuisine — German particularly — sauerkraut is often braised and paired with hearty sausages as well as being used in stews and other dishes, giving them a delicious sour taste. Its versatility and unique taste have made sauerkraut a beloved ingredient that's both tasty and culturally significant in these regions.
Check out my recipe for how to make homemade sauerkraut too!
Bratwurst and Sauerkraut
Looking for a simple and delicious one-pot or skillet dinner? Consider giving Bratwurst and sauerkraut a try! This classic German pairing of sausage and braised sauerkraut is a smoky, sour, slightly sweet, and perfectly savory comfort food that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Give this recipe a chance and you won't be disappointed!
Pork, Bean & Sauerkraut Soup (Istrian Jota)
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful soup, you might want to try one made with beans, pork, bacon, and sauerkraut. This warm and satisfying soup combines the tender and meaty flavor of pork with the smoky and salty taste of bacon, the earthy and nutty flavor of beans, and the tangy and slightly sour taste of sauerkraut. It is a perfect comfort food that can be enjoyed on a cold winter day or any time you crave something delicious and filling.
Segedinsky Gulas (Pork & Sauerkraut Stew)
Šegedínský Guláš is a traditional Czech and Slovak stew. This hearty meal features tender pieces of pork simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with sauerkraut and onions. The sauerkraut adds a tangy kick to the dish, while the sour cream added at the end imparts a creamy and savory element. Šegedínský Guláš is a comforting and flavorful dish that hails from Central Europe and is known for its delicious combination of bold and simple ingredients.
German Sauerkraut Soup
German sauerkraut soup is a classic dish. Here I've combined savory meatballs with sauerkraut in a flavorful broth. Sauerkraut soup is a comforting and hearty favorite in German cuisine with its unique tanginess. It is a perfect complement to the well-seasoned meatballs. This is a delicious representation of the comforting and satisfying nature of German cuisine.
Reuben Sandwiches From Scratch
Elevate your sandwich game with homemade Reuben sandwiches. Piled high with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing, these sandwiches are a classic favorite you can make right at home.
Slow Cooker Kielbasa & Sauerkraut
For an effortless and flavorful meal, try this slow cooker kielbasa and sauerkraut recipe. The smoky kielbasa and tangy sauerkraut meld together for a hearty dish that practically cooks itself.
Sauerkraut Hot Dog Topping
Give your hot dogs a delicious twist with sauerkraut. This simple topping adds a crunchy and slightly sour kick to your hot dog, making it a must-try for any hot dog enthusiast.
German Sauerkraut Balls
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these German sauerkraut balls are a delightful snack or appetizer. Packed with the flavors of sauerkraut and served with a dipping sauce, they're perfect for sharing.
Polish Sauerkraut Soup (Kapusniak)
Warm up with a bowl of Polish sauerkraut soup, known as Kapusniak. This hearty and comforting soup combines sauerkraut, kielbasa, and a rich broth for a satisfying meal that's a staple of Polish cuisine.
And If You Love Cabbage...
Check out my list of red cabbage recipes. The red cabbage soup with bacon pictured above is on it, and so is a delicious recipe for braised German red cabbage (rotkohl).
More Dinner Ideas
Take a look at my 19 Delicious Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipes That Save Time for more meal inspiration.
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