Germanside dish

Homemade sauerkraut

Prep time
20 min
Servings
8
Total time
7 days
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Simple homemade fermented cabbage. Takes a few days but is easy and yields far better sauerkraut than any store-bought version.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg white cabbage
  • 20 g salt (2% of weight)
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)

Method

  1. 1
    Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and set aside. Shred the cabbage finely.
  2. 2
    Combine the shredded cabbage with salt in a large bowl. Massage firmly for 10 minutes until juices run.
  3. 3
    Add caraway seeds if using.
  4. 4
    Pack tightly into a sterilised glass jar, pressing down until the cabbage is submerged in its own brine.
  5. 5
    Place a clean outer cabbage leaf on top and weigh it down.
  6. 6
    Cover with a cloth and leave at room temperature for 5-7 days. Press down daily. Taste after 5 days – ready when pleasantly sour.

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  1. 1

    Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and set aside. Shred the cabbage finely.

  2. 2

    Combine the shredded cabbage with salt in a large bowl. Massage firmly for 10 minutes until juices run.

  3. 3

    Add caraway seeds if using.

  4. 4

    Pack tightly into a sterilised glass jar, pressing down until the cabbage is submerged in its own brine.

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Good to know

  • Read through every step before you start and measure everything first.
  • This recipe is written for 8 servings and Swedish kitchen measures.
  • Taste and adjust at the end if you cook with salty stock, cheese, soy sauce, or fond.

Serving profile

Pace
balanced kitchen flow
Kitchen load
Serving style
meant to land on the table for a group
Best for
weeknight cooking with fewer decisions

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