How to Eat Sauerkraut: 8 Delicious Ways to Enjoy the Health Benefits of This Superfood

Introduction

Sauerkraut is a type of finely cut cabbage that is fermented in salt and spices. It is a traditional food in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, and other parts of Eastern Europe, but today it can be found all over the world. Sauerkraut is packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, dietary fiber, and probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help support digestive health. It also has a unique tangy flavor that makes it a great addition to many dishes.

Create a Sauerkraut Salad

A simple sauerkraut salad is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of sauerkraut. To make a basic sauerkraut salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup sauerkraut
• 1/2 cup diced apples
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

To make the salad, combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until everything is evenly distributed. Serve chilled or at room temperature. You can also add other ingredients such as olives, raisins, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Make Sauerkraut Soup

Sauerkraut soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold winter days. To make a basic sauerkraut soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup sauerkraut
• 1 potato, peeled and diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

To make the soup, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the caraway seeds and cook for 1 minute more. Add the vegetable broth, sauerkraut, potato, carrot, and thyme and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

For a more flavorful soup, you can add smoked sausage, bacon, or ham. You can also add other vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans. For a creamier soup, stir in some sour cream or heavy cream before serving.

Include Sauerkraut on Sandwiches

Sauerkraut adds a delicious tangy flavor to sandwiches. Try adding it to grilled cheese sandwiches, Reubens, or BLTs. It also pairs well with turkey, ham, and roast beef. When adding sauerkraut to a sandwich, be sure to drain off any excess liquid so the bread doesn’t get soggy.

Use Sauerkraut as a Topping for Burgers and Hot Dogs

Sauerkraut is a classic topping for burgers and hot dogs. It adds a tangy flavor and crunchy texture that complements the savory flavors of the meat. It also helps to keep the burgers and hot dogs moist. Try pairing sauerkraut with other toppings such as cheese, grilled onions, or pickles.

Stuff Pierogi with Sauerkraut

Pierogi are a popular Eastern European dish made of dough that is filled with various fillings. Sauerkraut makes an excellent filling for pierogi. To make sauerkraut pierogi, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups sauerkraut
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package of store-bought pierogi dough

To make the pierogi, combine the sauerkraut, onion, butter, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Roll out the pierogi dough and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of the sauerkraut mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Cook the pierogi in boiling water until they float to the surface, about 3 minutes. Serve with sour cream or melted butter.

Try Sauerkraut-Filled Dumplings

Sauerkraut-filled dumplings are another tasty way to enjoy sauerkraut. To make them, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups sauerkraut
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package of store-bought dumpling wrappers

To make the dumplings, combine the sauerkraut, onion, butter, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Place a spoonful of the sauerkraut mixture in the center of each dumpling wrapper. Fold the wrapper over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Steam the dumplings in a bamboo steamer basket over boiling water until they are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Serve with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Mix Sauerkraut into Other Dishes

Sauerkraut can be used to enhance the flavor of many dishes. It can be added to macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, stews, or casseroles. It also tastes great when mixed into egg salads or tuna salads. When adding sauerkraut to a dish, be sure to drain off any excess liquid before mixing it in.

Conclusion

Sauerkraut is a nutrient-dense food that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. It has a unique tangy flavor that makes it a great addition to many dishes. From salads to soups to sandwiches, there are countless ways to enjoy the health benefits and delicious flavor of sauerkraut.