5 from 6 votes
Zelnicky Czech Sauerkraut Crackers
Czechs and sauerkraut are a perfect match! I'm excited to share a great recipe for zelnicky, salty crackers made with sauerkraut. With just a few humble ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that will surprise you!
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings:
30
pieces
Calories:
70 kcal
Course:
Appetizer, Snacks
Cuisine:
Czech
Ingredients
- 9 ounces sauerkraut without brine, squeezed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 ½ ounces pork lard (or any solid shortening)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds crushed or ground
Instructions
- Drain and squeeze 9 ounces sauerkraut. Finely chop it with a sharp knife to ensure there are no long shreds.
- Put the chopped sauerkraut, 4 ½ ounces pork lard, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon caraway seeds in a large mixing bowl. Work the mixture into a soft dough. If it is too sticky, sprinkle with additional flour and incorporate it into the dough.
- On a floured pastry board, roll out the dough to a thickness of about ⅛" (0.4 cm). Using a glass or a cookie cutter about 3" (7 cm) in diameter, cut out rounds. For a quicker option, cut the dough into strips and then into squares.
- Use a flat knife to lift the cut Zelníčky and transfer them to a baking tray lined with baking paper. If you don't have baking paper, you can use an ungreased cookie sheet instead.
- Bake the biscuits in a preheated oven at 380 °F for 20-25 minutes. Their surface should be golden but not brown.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- SERVING:
- The basic recipe makes about 30 pieces of zelnicky.
- SERVING: These crackers taste fantastic, much like fried chips, salty nuts, or any other snack. They pair well with a glass of white wine. Bake them for a family gathering or to introduce Czech cuisine to your friends. Arrange the crackers in a bowl and place them on the table for everyone to enjoy.
- Tweak the recipe by adding ground crackling, a little black pepper, or sweet ground paprika. Some people also add bacon or other smoked meat cut into small cubes.
- The crackers have a unique, slightly sour taste thanks to the sauerkraut. Right after baking, the zelnicky biscuits are wonderfully crunchy. If you leave them out overnight, they soften a bit the next day. However, they still taste great.
Nutrition Information
Calories
70kcal
(4%)
Carbohydrates
7g
(2%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
4g
(6%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Sodium
56mg
(2%)
Potassium
23mg
(0%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
2IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
4mg
(0%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 30 pieces
Amount Per Serving
Calories 70
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 70kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Sodium | 56mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 23mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 2IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 4mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.