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A glass jar on a wooden table contains layered shredded cabbage with leaves on top. Soft kitchen lighting and a blurred stove in the background create a homey feel.

How to Make Sauerkraut (Easy Homemade Recipe for Beginners)

Dusty @ Linen & Wildflowers
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 5 days
Servings 2 Quarts
Calories 114 kcal

Equipment

  • Food Processor optional
  • Jar Funnel optional
  • Large Bowl
  • Large Sharp Knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Hand Towel
  • 2-quart Glass Mason Jar
  • Fermentation weights optional
  • Kraut stomper optional

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cabbage
  • 1 tbsp Kosher Salt

Instructions
 

  • Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and set one aside for later.
  • Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core.
  • Shred the cabbage and place it in a large bowl.
  • Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
  • Massage the cabbage with clean hands for about 5 minutes. Cover with a tea towel and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
  • Repeat the massaging and resting process two more times. The liquid released is called brine.
  • Spoon the cabbage and brine into a 2-quart mason jar, packing it down firmly.
  • Use a wooden spoon or stomper to press the cabbage until the brine rises above it.
  • Fold the reserved cabbage leaf and place it on top to keep everything submerged.
  • Add a fermentation lid or a regular canning lid.
  • Store the jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

Notes

Serving Ideas for Sauerkraut

  • As a daily side dish
  • On hot dogs or sausages
  • Classic pork and kraut
  • Added to rice bowls
  • Topping for baked potatoes
  • Stirred into scrambled eggs

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 114kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 6gFat: 0.5gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 82mgPotassium: 772mgFiber: 11gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 445IUVitamin C: 166mgCalcium: 182mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Homemade Sauerkraut for Beginners, How to Make Sauerkraut, Sauerkraut
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