18 Unique Recipes That Use Sauerkraut (2024)

FAQs

What do Germans eat with sauerkraut? ›

This easy recipe for sauerkraut is a staple in our German menu. It's delicious with almost anything. Yes, sauerkraut goes with pork, beef, sausage, noodles, potatoes, dumplings, etc., etc. It goes into casseroles, into soups, on sausages, etc., etc.

Sauerkraut can be added to soups and stews; cooked with stock, beer or wine; served with sausages or salted meats, and is especially good with smoked fish, like hot-smoked salmon.

Improves overall health

Because sauerkraut is high in folate, it has a variety of health advantages. It is healthy for the gum health. Furthermore, the risk of heart disease and stroke is reduced. Folate is required for cell division and DNA creation.

To take advantage of the health and probiotic benefits of sauerkraut (that are lost when cooked in a dish), it's recommended to consume it raw. Add sauerkraut to a Reuben sandwich, mix it into tuna, egg, chicken, or potato salad, or eat it straight from the jar.

One important issue to remember is that cooking sauerkraut will kill off the probiotic bacteria that we want to consume. Even after cooking, sauerkraut is a healthy, cabbage-based dish, but it will be missing out on that probiotic boost. So, when possible, try to add your sauerkraut to your dishes uncooked.

Raw sauerkraut can be enjoyed as is, by the forkful. Just take the jar out of the fridge, grab a fork, and enjoy the health benefits! Eat a forkful once or twice a day straight from the jar. Buy unpasteurized sauerkraut from the refrigerator section of your grocery store.

Classic sauerkraut spices are juniper berries, caraway seeds, dill and celery seeds.

In Germany and Austria, cooked sauerkraut is often flavored with juniper berries or caraway seeds; apples and white wine are added in popular variations. In South Tyrol, it is made with Juniper berries, Extra-virgin olive oil and smoked pancetta.

Germany is considered a sauerkraut nation - especially in international perception. During world war, English and American opponents even called Germans "Krauts". And the term is still used today. As a side note, however, the per capita consumption of sauerkraut is higher in the US and France than in Germany.

Bagged krauts are crisper than jarred, but jarred krauts are so much tastier and better than canned sauerkrauts.

Do you rinse sauerkraut before cooking? ›

I would say it depends. The best way to know is to just open the bag and taste a little bit of the sauerkraut . When it has already a nice taste (not too salty) that you like, you don't have to wash it before using it. If it's very salty then rinse it to get rid of the saltiness.

The best time to eat sauerkraut for gut health is during or before a meal since stomach acid, and enzymes can aid in breaking down food and killing harmful bacteria. Incorporating sauerkraut into your diet regularly can be beneficial, aiming for at least 1-2 servings per day.

But soon after opening, you will find that this sauerkraut can easily dry up if not used within a short amount of time after opening it. If you are refrigerating your sauerkraut, it should stay fresh for about four to six months after opening.

Let's Drink that Sauerkraut Juice!

Drink it Straight: If you want to start your day with a tart probiotic kick, kickback some of that leftover brine straight up.

Boosts immunity: Sauerkraut is abundant in vitamin C, which is vital for immune system support. One cup contains 21 mg of vitamin C, which is roughly 28% of your daily needs. Good source of vitamin K: Vitamin K supports bone and heart health.