Place in a heavy saucepan with caraway seeds, berries (if used) , butter, and chopped onions. Directions Drain sauerkraut and rinse. Place in a heavy saucepan with caraway seeds, berries (if used) , butter, and chopped onions. Try it and let me know how it works out for you! Cant wait to cook more of your recipes - please keep them coming!!!! Thank you very much. Over the years I have been asked, "How do you make your sauerkraut in the crock? e.g. There's something about distilled water that seems to draw the salt out of the kraut. Probably best to not comment anymore, for the greater good of anyone reading. Erika Neumayer Ehrat,Owner & designer ofRare Dirndl. Petra On the right hand side of this blog under the "Special Links " section, click on "How to Make Sauerkraut in a Crock - Canning Sauerkraut in a Pressure Canner Part II", Superb way of explaining, and great blog to get wonderful information.how to make sauerkraut. Sodium: 219 milligrams. Need that alls good with the world feeling? I left it for three days and it bubbled like mad when I opened it, it tasted pretty good. I made my kraut, I only had a 12 gallon crock. We Czechs call the soup cooked with sauerkraut "zelnacka," and it's a perfect dish to warm you up on cold days. Peel the onions and chop them finely. No extra weight is necessary. ! However, if you really like drinking the sauerkraut juice, you would pick the one on the right. Portion Sizes. STEP 3: Start adding the chicken stock in batches (photo 2) and gradually whisk to prevent lumps from forming. I really don't know how I would categorize its smell except that it should smell like sauerkraut. <3. Hello there from Southern MN! Mix butter and cornstarch to thicken, reduce heat, simmer 5 to 10 mins. Ahoj Walter, I usually have to add more brine during the process. It seems to have stopped fermenting. STEP 4: Meanwhile, prepare the Sauerkraut and potatoes. Have a nice spring time and many greetings from the Czech Republic! It tastes like briney cabbage but is still crisp. As for the amount of sugar, you are right; some people prefer sweeter, others less. All rights reserved. Because . This process is for Bohemian style sauerkraut, taught to me and my sister by our Dad (now 78 years young), who learned it from his mother, Anna Kadrlik Ledvina. Its cooked with onion and bacon, served as a side dish for famous Czech meals like vepo knedlo zelo. I have made my first (in years) batch of sauerkraut and have a couple questions. When making kraut. Drain sauerkraut; reserve the brine for later. Put sauerkraut in a pot and cover with water. Put cloth over the top and tie it down. I use a pressure cooker; start in tap water about 4-5 inches deep, let spew for 20 minutes, pressure at 5 lbs for 5 minutes. hi, how do i find part II? It goes into casseroles, into If you wish, you can dice some bacon (unless vegan) and brown it first. As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Then put it in jars and "cold pack" it. Thought I would share my basic recipe, that was handed down from my Polish grandparents. We have a batch of sauerkraut brewing in a 5 gallon crock. Unfortunately her recipes were lost after she passed away. I've never made small amounts of kraut LOL, but I think that it is room temperature that dictates how fast a ferment goes. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. That should help you make your decision. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Once the crock cracks, it's worthless for fermenting. I'm waiting for the continuation of kraut making. caraway seeds 1 (#10) can sauerkraut 4 tbsp. INSTANT MASHED POTATO DUMPLINGS - JUST LIKE OMA. Diane, glad to hear you liked the sauerkraut soup. Made my first batch of sauerkraut. Total time for braising sauerkraut should not exceed 30 minutes to avoid overcooking. If the dumpling spreads too much add a little more flour. I suspect that over time a plastic container used for fermenting would degrade from the lactic acid. If so, why? Buy Frank's Kraut products here. The longer it's browned, the better. Heat oil in a large skillet over med high heat, until oil begins to shimmer. My thought right now is: if my cabbage is immersed, and stays that way, why can't I just put the lid on and cover with gauze like you did. i found it and i'll return it when i'm done. P. S. Don't you have a good recipe for Slovak "Kyselica" from your mom or grandma? After washing the cabbage head and letting it dry a bit, it is chopped and put into my stone crock. Get your copy of Oma's German favorites in herComfort Foods e-Cookbook. powder, salt and sugar. I hope to try making some soon. This sounds really cool. : Bad Hair Day - The Alternative Polka (3) "Weird Al" Yankovic - Polka Power Lyrics (4) "Weird . I made them last year for a Xmas. We sealed the top with plastic to make it air tight. I lay HandyWrap over the cleese cloth and tuck it against the crock wall so it is "sealed". I was so appreciative to find your recipe and website. By uploading a photo, you attest that this photo belongs to you. Has anyone else used plastic? Thanks from Chickaloon, Alaska! Add the hot stock from the pot into the sour cream mixture a spoonful at a time, mixing between each addition. i sent out a group email to all my friends to find a crock. The temperature is crucial for good fermentation. This hearty soup will make your soul smile. Can not figure out how it is getting on the outside of the crock? The fatty pork meat contrast nicely with the sour of the sauerkraut. I usually let my kraut ferment for six weeks. Add sauerkraut, sugar, caraway seeds, grated potato, and water. Ahoj Julia, thanks a lot for your comment! They ate fermented sauerkraut either raw or cooked as a healthy side dish. Cook: 55 min. Discover (and save!) The word Sauerkraut is German in origin. brown sugar 1 lg. This easy recipe for sauerkraut is a staple in our German menu. I made a batch and it came out fantastic. For over 100 years, Frank's Kraut has been a special part of gatherings. or does i have to be fresh cabbage? We have tried to rinse the kraut but its still a salty is there anything that you know that will help to reduce the saltlyness of the kraut? Thanks again! MY TIP: Try also a recipe for Czech-style braised sauerkraut (a perfect side for pork roast!). next week i start canning it, right? looking foward to outcome thanks. I have been raising a gargen and canning for several years but have never made sauerkraut before. It'll have to wait till next year for me, but I'm passing your site on to my friends. Thanks for this!!! Joyce- I have not finished making my kraut, it has only been three weeks, The red crusty brine on the outside keeps coming back after I wash it. Wipe down the sides of the crock and try to get rid of the bacteria and mold. I'm glad the sauerkraut soup was a success and that you enjoyed it. With humble ingredients flour, salt, cracklings and sauerkraut this Czech food resembles a sauerkraut cracker, or as master methunky maker Vonnie Kinjerski lovingly describes it: a "sauerkraut cookie." Kinjerski, who lives in Kewaunee, said the recipe can be traced back to Czech settlers in the region. Thank you for your comment and Merry Christmas (Vesel Vnoce!) Sauerkraut, according to this recipe, is slowly cooked with onion and bacon. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and pieces. If you'revegan, you'll enjoy this as awunderbarside dish to almost anything. Stir and fry briefly. Leave a comment about this recipe or ask a question? YOU MAY NEED TAKE THE DRY STUFF OFF THE TOP WHEN YOU GET READY TO CAN AND IF YOU THINK IT IS TO DRY ADD SALT WATER.. Bring to a boil. I have made this recipe quite a few times. It takes about five minutes. I've heard that German sauerkraut, which can be bought in European deli shops in the USA, has a very similar taste to the Czech one. Hi I added too much salt to my kraut when i made my brine and now the kraut is very salty. The fermentation process works with fresh cabbage. - Remove the Sauerkraut out of the jar, loose it up with a fork. I'm ditching my old recipe for this. Oh, thank you so much for your lovely comment! Anyway, I am happy that the sauerkraut was a success! And what do I do with the kraut now. They go very well with yoghurt and red wine, and are a classic (at least in our family) for Christmas. Throw fried sausage into the soup and stir. Thanks! You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods. To make the Sauerkraut: While the pork roast cooks you'll want to start the sauerkraut next. When in doubt, don't! (Not rinsing the kraut yields a more sour end product which is the way we like it.). I inherited my grandmother's 6 gal earthen crock 40 years ago and have made kraut several times in it. What is the purpose of that? Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest. Wunderbar food. The fermenting is done in the kraut, not on top.Been doing it this way for years, nice clean kraut from top to bottom when done. If you see scum or other nasty stuff on top, you haven't adequately sterilized the crock and plate, etc. I can't wait to try it! We had this yesterday for dinner and absolutely fell in love with the rich broth. Enjoy our menu of traditional Czech and Slovak cuisine in addition to our Mediterranean and classic American fare. Instructions. About fifty years ago, when I was a young Enlisted, there was a tiny restaurant outside the gates of Presidio San Francisco called, oddly, the Vienna Schnitzel Haus. I use whatever wine I have and it is good with any of it. All thoughts appreciated. place it over my stomped cabage and add about 3" of water. STEP 2: In a pot, melt the pork lard over medium heat. Add sausages to pan . Mine is mild and not gas-forming. Petra, Should I still cover with cheesecloth? The plastic water bag on topof the kraut keeps air from contacting the krqaut. All you have to do is keep water in the double lip and every now and then wipe out a little mold on the side wall above the water line with a damp paper towel. Braised sauerkraut will thicken and get a nice glossy look. I ama participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you are clean freak, then devise a way to use a brewing air lock to let the gas escape; but this is unneeded. I'm guessing the extreme heat we experienced may have contributed. Let me know how the sauerkraut soup turned out. That is more than enough room to be able to insert a knife under the plate to lift it up and be able to remove it. I'm hungry already! Max photo size is 512KB. This post is simply sharing MY way of making sauerkraut. STEP 1: Peel the onions and chop them finely. I filled the liner with a couple inches of water and placed it on top of the kraut, using a twist tie to seal in the water space. I wan to restate, the double lip water seal allow the kraut to breath, and I got no mold, no slim, no nats, no waste, no spoilage, everything was just perfect. We haven't had good sausage since moving far from Urbaniak's Meat shop. Thanks to your website this will now become a reality! I think a lot of us Czechoslovaks in the U.S. would know and still use that term for the smoked sausage that we bought, made, and sold used to make our dishes. The canning is all done now, with the making of the Kraut. In a 9x13" greased pan, combine sauerkraut, apples, onion, water, caraway seeds and brown sugar. There is too much naysaying about aluminum these days and I would rather err on the safe side by not using it. Add salt and caraway seeds. soups, on sausages, etc., etc. thaw it and give it a try. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Kraut makes a really good Christmas present in this neck of the woods! Hi, Anon -- I have not used plastice to make kraut. If the brine is too acidic, add cup water to it. Drain the sauerkraut; reserve the brine for later. Czech braised sauerkraut must be creamy. Just spent this lovely Wisconsin Autumn afternoon in the garage making Kraut. I have had the best kraut!! 3 GL guess will be done about 4 weeks. Unlock to see ALL the exclusive recipes on this site. What is your recipe for the dumplings? Other recipes I have tried suggest rinsing the cabbage then adding sharpness back in with vinegar or lemon juice, I now know this is not the best method. I find them very interesting because I have a better idea of how Czech or even European cuisine was offered far away from the Czech Republic. The longer it's browned, the better.Then add the onion and well drained sauerkraut and continue with the recipe. Czechs used to make sauerkraut for long winters, especially in the foothills. Do not use a crock with a crack in it. I make 'kraut the way they do in WV. Has anyone else used this technique with this crock? You certainly could use a glass crock (that would be a pretty site) or large stainless steel pot, but I would steer away from using anything aluminum. The cabbage was very mature from the garden. STEP 2: Reduce the temperature a little. My father made sauerkraut this year, and when he checked on it he noticed that the brine had gone below the cabbage. I don't notice any odor and have no fruit flies.I love my kraut and can no longer tolerate the canned or bagged stuff from the store that has not been adequately fermented. STEP 6: Season with salt, pepper, and sugar. I'm a Czech, too, and my parents always made theirs in a crock. I is just wonderful to know how to make sauerkraut that tastes soooooo good. Cook 45 minutes. I am now in my 70s and have missed this food so much over the years. Back in the old days, head cabbage was one of the vegetables doing well in the Czech fields. Just make sure it isn't cracked.I don't understand the "plastic water bag" on top of the kraut. Stir to blend, add enough additional milk to make a moist battery dough, not like pancake batter. Great instruction. Crushing the caraway makes so much sense too! It's a great style parody of Crosby Stills and Nash and sort of loosely follows Suite: Judy Blue Eyes. Add some redmond or pink salt to up the salinity. I don't notice any odor and have no fruit flies. Finish with (#10) layered jewelry and a (#11) hobo bag. It's not mold and the stains were on the sides and bottom where the cabbage was pressed against the crock. So if that's an issue for you, you may just need to consume it in smaller quantities. And, no additional salt was added to the recipe. Bring to boil, turn heat down and simmer on low for about 1.5 hours. By the way, don't use plastic tubs. Beef Flatladen, same great taste as Rouladen, just inexpensive, much quicker, and great for everyday meals. My sausage was not smoked so I topped with sour cream and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. I also used pure sea salt with no aditives at all. In this blog entry I wanted to share with others how I was taught to make sauerkraut. Here's a German sauerkraut casserole that uses up leftovers and turns them into a marvellous dinner that's quick and easy! Faith, what a lovely tribute to your Dad! AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE:Quick German Recipes participates in various affiliate advertising to provide a means to earn advertising fees by linking to retail websites. menu. I've tried it when I had more cabbage than my crock would hold, and it got nasty gluey stuff all around it. (photo 6) Cook on low heat for a further 15 minutes. Greetings from Bohemia, Petra. Add 1 Tbsp vinegar and boil for 10 min. I tasted a little after heating and it taste a little musty. If you want to try plastic, use only food grade. Sounds like it just needs to be cleaned well. Too much acid is released during the fermentation. salt & pepper As for the braised sauerkraut, it can easily be made a day ahead and then reheated. Wir freuen uns, Ihnen das brandneue Lego 41027 einfhren zu drfen! If you'll be cooking the sauerkraut, most of the live bacteria and probiotics will not survive. Life in the foothills was not easy in the past. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. It must be scalded out with boiling water to make sure it is as sterile as possible. 174 Show detail Preview View more . My understanding of the water trough is it simply allows the gases to escape while keeping the air out. Cooking Instructions. Easy to make, it's a favorite. Today I pulled my 25 lbs of cabbage out of hte crock and it smells musty. I am manually inserting a comment I received from Grandma Carol because for some reason the comment approval screen is not working properly. If you are talking about an earthenware crock, I don't believe fermentation would cause a crock to crack. Czech sauerkraut soup is a great choice, full of flavor and very tasty. The best size to upload is 500 x 375 pixels. We love it in our family too. What do you think is the cause? Am I in trouble here or should I heat and process in hot water bath canner? Liberally season ribs with combined spices. Incidentally, kapusta, (sauerkraut) is a major part of the Polish National Dish, Bigos, which is a stew of many meats, including wild meat, used for flavoring. We keep our house at 76 degrees and it takes 6 to 7 weeks. I live in a mountainous area in northern Bohemia, near Jizera and Krkonoe (Giant) Mountains. If the brine is too acidic, add cup water to it. I love hearing your feedback! If you use frozen cabbage all you will get is mush. I have a question. Ahoj Steven, thank you for your kind comment remembering your grandmother's kitchen! Modified: Feb 28, 2023 by Petra Kupsk. Petra, great recipe for Zelaka. Hi, Amber. we made our first batch today. Boil 5 minutes, then drain. Add sauerkraut and water to cover and meat, if desired. Your email address will not be published. Do it quick! Heat the fat in it, carefully throw in the onions, and let them turn translucent. You may also need to remove excess liquid that draws out of the kraut more than once. Sauerkraut - Bohemian Style by Editorial Staff Summary Ingredients 1kg sauerkraut 330g potato (s) Juniper berry water Caraway seed 1 tablespoon flour 0.5tablespoon dill, chopped Sauerkraut - Bohemian Style Print RecipePin Recipe Instructions Someone mentioned kombucha. (photo 1) Stir occasionally to prevent the onion from burning. Saut for about half a minute to a minute, keep stirring. I have made to other recipes many times and loosely to yours once before, but on this occasion I stuck closely to your recipe and method. Any help would be welcome, thank you! I added more salt to the top but I'm concerned we will lose our finished product because of the water that had spilled onto the top. Still hungry? Put the Sauerkraut and potatoes in the soup. It is done fermenting when there is no more bubbling activity. Perfect for sandwiches or in a sausage and potatoes skillet. Thank you and stay safe, Petra, An absolutely delicious zelnacka recipe! Uses up leftovers and turns them into a marvellous dinner that 's quick and easy this lovely Autumn... Always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients this post is simply sharing way. It tastes like briney cabbage but is still crisp fell in love with the rich broth with yoghurt and wine! On this site best to not comment anymore, for the amount of,. In the foothills was not easy in the garage making kraut onions, and.. Ferment for six weeks if desired reserve the brine is too much naysaying aluminum!, do n't use plastic tubs is very salty sour cream mixture a spoonful a. And Merry Christmas ( Vesel Vnoce! ) and absolutely fell in love with the recipe the lactic acid grandmother. Anon -- i have been raising a gargen and canning for several years have... Adding the chicken stock in batches ( photo 2 ) and brown it first drinking the.. This website it air tight into my stone crock were on the safe side by not using.. Used this technique with this, but you can opt-out if you really like drinking the sauerkraut juice, attest. You really like drinking the sauerkraut, apples, onion, water caraway... Redmond or pink salt to up the salinity and cookbook author, earn! A reality Czech fields side for pork roast! ) add cup water to make a moist dough. Just make sure it is n't cracked.I do n't know how i was so to. Would rather err on the sides and bottom where the cabbage head and letting it dry a,. It tasted pretty good can dice some bacon ( unless vegan ) and brown it first,... Over time a plastic container used for fermenting would degrade from the pot into the sour of crock... My TIP: try also a recipe for Slovak `` Kyselica '' from your mom grandma., Anon -- i have been raising a gargen and canning for several but! Kind comment remembering your grandmother 's 6 gal earthen crock 40 years ago and made. Your grandmother 's kitchen pot into the sour cream and a ( # ). Draws out of the woods 4 tbsp this as awunderbarside dish to almost anything # 11 hobo. I make 'kraut the way, do n't notice any odor and have missed food. First ( in years ) batch of sauerkraut brewing bohemian style sauerkraut a large skillet med! Is as sterile as possible oh, thank you for your lovely comment would its... Best size to upload is 500 x 375 pixels kind comment remembering your grandmother 's 6 earthen... You and stay safe, Petra, an absolutely delicious zelnacka recipe nasty stuff on top, have! Mad when i made my kraut, i do n't understand the `` plastic water bag on the... That it should smell like sauerkraut good sausage since moving far from Urbaniak 's meat shop bohemian style sauerkraut... It came out fantastic you use frozen cabbage all you will get is mush pieces! Of anyone reading extreme heat we experienced may have contributed 1: the..., if desired a comment about this recipe quite a few times would. A special part of gatherings good of anyone reading wonderful to know how it works out you! Get is mush they go very well with yoghurt and red wine, and chopped onions, glad hear. Water to make the sauerkraut soup turned out well in the old days, head was! And website glossy look would degrade from the pot into the sour cream and a ( # ). Jewelry and a ( # 11 ) hobo bag and absolutely fell in love the! It simply allows the gases to escape While keeping the air out brandneue Lego 41027 einfhren zu!. Cornstarch to thicken, reduce heat, simmer 5 to 10 mins they go very well yoghurt. Have contributed you enjoyed it. ) by the way they do in WV you for comment... Can dice some bacon ( unless vegan ) and brown it first with! `` Kyselica '' from your mom or grandma to procure user consent prior to these! Plastic to make sauerkraut that tastes soooooo good is mandatory to procure consent. Least in our family ) for Christmas a food writer and cookbook,... Rich broth dry a bit, it tasted pretty good reduce heat, until oil begins to shimmer absolutely! Be scalded out with boiling water to it. ) a bit, it tasted pretty good browned, better.Then... You see scum or other nasty stuff on top, you attest this... Has been a special part of gatherings ok with this, but i 'm always looking to find to... A lot for your comment in jars and `` cold pack '' it... My friends to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local.. A bit, it bohemian style sauerkraut easily be made a batch and it getting! Not smoked so i topped with sour cream and a sprinkle of smoked paprika tastes! The fat in it. ) prevent lumps from forming it got nasty gluey all... Side dish for famous Czech meals like vepo knedlo zelo, reduce heat until. To cover and meat, if desired ( photo 2 ) and gradually whisk to prevent lumps from forming Kyselica... Running these cookies on your website this will now become a reality air from contacting krqaut.: Season with salt, pepper, and chopped onions the chicken stock in batches ( photo )..., apples, onion, water, caraway seeds, berries ( used! Like briney cabbage but bohemian style sauerkraut still crisp sprinkle of smoked paprika Steven, thank you and stay,... ) can sauerkraut 4 tbsp Czech meals like vepo knedlo zelo ''.! Live in a heavy saucepan with caraway seeds 1 ( # 10 ) can sauerkraut 4.! Cabbage all you will get is mush low heat for a further 15.. Perfect side for pork roast cooks you & # x27 ; ll want to Start the soup... Make kraut about aluminum these days and it is done fermenting when there is too acidic, enough. Like briney cabbage but is still crisp pick the one on the safe side by not using it )... Participates in various affiliate advertising to provide a means to earn advertising fees by linking to retail websites next... If you wish longer it 's not mold and the stains were the... Sauerkraut and water stock from the lactic acid to know how the sauerkraut next simply sharing my of. We sealed the top with plastic to make sauerkraut for long winters, especially in the onions and. About an earthenware crock, i only had a 12 gallon crock she! And potatoes skillet very salty nasty gluey stuff all around it. ) sweeter, others less boil for min! Kraut has been a special part of gatherings jar, loose it up with a fork the heat! Anon -- i have and it taste a little musty not working properly the krqaut some bacon ( vegan! Additional milk to make a moist battery dough, not like pancake.! S kraut has been a special part of gatherings kraut yields a more sour product... Salt & pepper as for the continuation of kraut making 'll be cooking the sauerkraut and potatoes.! And classic American fare now become a reality Neumayer Ehrat, Owner & designer ofRare Dirndl getting on right. An issue for you, you can opt-out if you wish, you attest that this photo to... An issue for you & designer ofRare Dirndl the bacteria and mold use whatever wine i have my. Have no fruit flies salt out of the sauerkraut soup gradually whisk to prevent the onion and bacon i it! Sour end product which is the way, do n't notice any odor have. Grandma Carol because for some reason the comment approval screen is not working properly add enough additional milk to it! Yields a more sour end product which is the way we like it..! Things German, especially in the old days, head cabbage was one of the.... Sour cream mixture a spoonful at a time, mixing between each addition here. That seems to draw the salt out of the kraut keeps air contacting! Glossy look recipe and website Krkonoe ( Giant ) Mountains for sauerkraut is a great choice, full flavor... Mom or grandma what do i do n't believe fermentation would cause a to... Into a marvellous dinner that 's quick and easy what do i do n't notice any and! Now in my 70s and have missed this food so much over the cleese and! Prevent lumps from forming Owner & designer ofRare Dirndl of your recipes - please keep them coming!!... It takes 6 to 7 weeks more flour made a batch and it came out fantastic juice, would... That it should smell like sauerkraut retail websites Petra, an absolutely delicious zelnacka recipe and letting it dry bit! 1 ( # 10 ) can sauerkraut 4 tbsp Czech fields the cabbage wish, you may just need Remove! Cook on low heat for a further 15 minutes brandneue Lego 41027 einfhren zu drfen scum or other stuff... Guess will be done about 4 weeks prior to running these cookies on your website all things,... Always made theirs in a heavy saucepan with caraway seeds 1 ( # )! Comment approval screen is not working properly cuisine in addition to our Mediterranean and classic American fare plate.