German Sauerkraut Recipe

• servings: 12 servings
• active time: 20 minutes
• total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 medium head of white cabbage (outer leaves removed)

1 tbsp sea salt (read instructions)

A few bay leaves (optional)

1/2 tsp caraway seeds (optional)

Directions

You can check out the video for visual instructions.Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, then weigh it on a kitchen scale.

Use 1-1.5% of salt. If your cabbage weighs 1 kg, use 10-15 grams of salt. Mine weighed 1.3 kg and I used 20 grams of sea salt.

Now cut the cabbage into quarters and trim out the core. Using a sharp large knife, slice each quarter down its length into very thin ribbons. The thinner you will cut the cabbage, the better will be the result. You can also use a mandolin, however, please watch your fingers!

Transfer the sliced cabbage to a large and clean mixing bowl and add the salt. Wash your hands and then start massaging/kneading the cabbage. Squeeze it and massage it for 5-10 minutes, don't be gentle.

The cabbage will release a lot of liquid which is perfect, the more liquid the better. You can now also add the bay leaves, the caraway seeds, and a few juniper berries (if using).

Pack the cabbage into a clean (sterilized) large mason jar and pour all the liquid on top. Use your fist or a pestle to push down the cabbage. The liquid should float on top of the cabbage.

You can weigh down the cabbage with one or two clean stones, which will ensure that the cabbage is submerged in its liquid. Then cover the jar with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.

Ferment the cabbage for 3 to 10 days in a cool place, 65 °F (ca. 18 °C) to 79 °F (ca. 26 °C). Keep the jar away from direct sunlight. Press down the cabbage at least twice a day. It's important that there is enough liquid on top. Taste it after 3 days (it ferments quicker in a warmer climate). If you like the taste, screw on the cap, and refrigerate.

I always allow the sauerkraut to continue fermenting for 14-21 days in the refrigerator. The longer you let it ferment, the more beneficial bacteria (probiotics) it will form. You can eat sauerkraut raw (most beneficial for the gut) or pan-fry it with some oil! Read the blog post for helpful tips and serving suggestions. Enjoy!

Nutrition

• Calories: 27 kcal
• Total Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Total Carbohydrate: 3.9 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2 g
• Total Sugars: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g