My favorite vegan sauerkraut recipes & uses (2024)

FAQs

What is sauerkraut good to eat with? ›

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.

As per experts at Fermenters Kitchen, the early morning is the golden hour for sauerkraut. Why? On an empty stomach, the gut-friendly microbes in sauerkraut have a clear path to colonize your gut microbiome. They can thus foster a balanced digestive system and set a positive tone throughout the day.

Depending on your taste, onions, bacon, juniper berries, caraway, and/or cream can be added to and cooked with the Sauerkraut. In many parts of Germany, pork ribs or pork cutlets are cooked in the Sauerkraut to give it a smokey flavor. The pork absorbs the liquid and becomes very soft and juicy.

Anti-inflammatory effects

One 2021 review concluded that fermented foods such as sauerkraut could help promote greater gut bacteria diversity and protect against inflammation. Some animal research suggests that sauerkraut's anti-inflammatory effect may be due to reduced nitric oxide production.

If you are refrigerating your sauerkraut, it should stay fresh for about four to six months after opening. It's important to know when you're using it and sealing it after each use because if new bacteria come in contact with it, it can immediately become spoiled.

It's so, so good—it fills your mouth with so much fermented flavor and funk, but it isn't overly astringent or too acidic. Also, hot tip: I'd say there's a hierarchy of sauerkraut packaging. Bagged krauts are crisper than jarred, but jarred krauts are so much tastier and better than canned sauerkrauts.

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.

Should I rinse sauerkraut from a jar? ›

Buy good quality sauerkraut (ideally without preservatives). You do NOT need to rinse sauerkraut (unless it's overly salty). Drain it thoroughly before cooking or using raw. Chop your sauerkraut roughly before cooking (or putting in a salad) so it's easier to combine with other ingredients.

Sweeten Canned Sauerkrauts With Apples

Even a tart apple is sweeter than the sharp-tasting sauerkraut, and cooking brings out their sugars. The overall effect of the apple is to sweeten and mellow the sauerkraut in a supporting role without overpowering the sauerkraut's own flavor.

Live sauerkraut can also contain probiotic bacteria, which are good for your gut. Some nutrients in sauerkraut may contribute to improved heart health, bone health, immune function, and inflammation. Eating fermented foods has also been linked to reduced anxiety symptoms.

Cabbage, salt, and sugar (plus some time) are all that's required to make a standout homemade sauerkraut recipe.

Depending on your taste, onions, bacon, juniper berries, caraway, and/or cream can be added to and cooked with the Sauerkraut. In many parts of Germany, pork ribs or pork cutlets are cooked in the Sauerkraut to give it a smokey flavor. The pork absorbs the liquid and becomes very soft and juicy.

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.

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.