5 from 15 votes
Homemade Sauerkraut Recipe
Homemade Sauerkraut is created by fermenting thinly sliced green cabbage with sea salt and optional caraway seeds. The process involves massaging the cabbage to release its natural juices, then packing it tightly into a jar to ferment for 8 to 10 days. The result is a tangy, naturally fermented condiment with a crisp texture and subtle spice from the caraway seeds.
Prep Time
20 mins
Additional Time
10 d
Servings:
3
cups
Calories:
77 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Chinese, German
Ingredients
- 1 green cabbage cored and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sea salt or kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon caraway seeds
Instructions
- Add the shredded cabbage to a bowl and sprinkle on sea or kosher salt.
- Using your hands squeeze the cabbage very firmly and vigorously for about 4 to 5 minutes to help break down the cabbage and secrete its own liquid.
- Once there is about a ½ cup of liquid in the bottom of the bowl mix in optional caraway seeds.
- Transfer the cabbage and liquid to a large, sterilized mason jar.
- Press the cabbage down using a pestle, or a firm fork or spoon, to ensure the cabbage is submerged in the liquid.
- Place on a sterilized airtight lid and let ferment in a cool dark place for 8-10 days.
- Come back 2-3 times per day and press down the cabbage using the pestle, fork, or spoon. It is incredibly important that the cabbage is always covered in the liquid.
- After the fermentation process, store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- You can prepare this sauerkraut up to 1 month ahead to allow flavors to develop further.
- Store the sauerkraut in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 6 months to maintain freshness.
- Do not add vinegar; the sourness comes solely from natural fermentation.
- Bubbling around day 4 or 5 indicates active fermentation and is normal.
Nutrition Information
Calories
77kcal
(4%)
Carbohydrates
18g
(6%)
Protein
4g
(8%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Sodium
2380mg
(99%)
Potassium
520mg
(11%)
Fiber
8g
(32%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
298IU
(6%)
Vitamin C
111mg
(123%)
Calcium
125mg
(13%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 3 cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 77
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 77kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 2380mg | 99% |
| Potassium | 520mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 298IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 111mg | 123% |
| Calcium | 125mg | 13% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.