German Sauerkraut Soup Recipe – Oma's Sauerkrautsuppe (2024)

FAQs

What vegetable is the German dish of sauerkraut made from? ›

What is Sauerkraut? Sauerkraut is a fermented food made from cabbage. It has been consumed for thousands of years for its probiotic benefits and is rich in vitamins C, B, A, K, and a variety of minerals. It has a tangy flavor, crunchy texture, and is simple and cost-effective to make at home!

Viel Glück! Germans have been eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year's for generations because they believe it brings good luck (viel glück in German).

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.

In Germany and Austria, cooked sauerkraut is often flavored with juniper berries or caraway seeds; apples and white wine are added in popular variations. In South Tyrol, it is made with Juniper berries, Extra-virgin olive oil and smoked pancetta.

Kraut juice (called Sauerkrautsaft in German, Zeamă de varză/Moare in Romanian, rasol, rasoj or rasuluk in the Balkans) is a beverage that consists of the liquid in which sauerkraut is cured. It is the juice of the vegetable itself and the pickling brine.

The difference between Bavarian Sauerkraut and a regular German Sauerkraut is that the Bavarian one is milder and sweeter. As well, it is usually flavored with caraway seeds.

Germany is considered a sauerkraut nation - especially in international perception. During world war, English and American opponents even called Germans "Krauts". And the term is still used today. As a side note, however, the per capita consumption of sauerkraut is higher in the US and France than in Germany.

Sauerkraut is fermented in salt brine, so the sodium content in sauerkraut is quite high. High sodium levels in the body increase blood pressure and the risk of unwanted cardiovascular and renal issues. If you suffer from any diseases, you are recommended to take your doctor's advice before consuming sauerkraut.

Sauerbraten (pronounced [ˈzaʊ̯ɐˌbʁaːtn̩]) is a traditional German roast of heavily marinated meat. It is regarded as a national dish of Germany, and is frequently served in German-style restaurants internationally.

Americans most often associate it with German cuisine—and rightfully so, it is a national dish of Germany—but many Central and Eastern European countries have their own sauerkraut varieties, including Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Austria, Slovakia, and Czechia, to name a few.

Why do Germans love sauerkraut? ›

There are likely any number of reasons for sauerkraut's popularity among the Germans. Its sour flavor meshes well with salty foods like bratwurst, balancing out the rich fat with a refreshing crunch. Then, of course, there are the health benefits.

Sauerkraut is the German language equivalent of “sour cabbage.” In reality though, it can mean different things to different people. To busy home chefs, sauerkraut, or fermented cabbage, is a fast, easy way to liven up their families' favorite meals.

Germany's bestselling pickle and sauerkraut brand, Hengstenberg has been a symbol of quality for more than 140 years.

Sauerkraut may provide various health benefits, such as effects on immune health and inflammation. It may also contain antioxidants and substances with anticancer properties. Most people can safely consume sauerkraut. However, it may cause people with histamine intolerance to develop allergy-like symptoms.

Summary. Sauerkraut is a versatile food full of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 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.

The taste is in the name, even if it's spelled the German way. Good sauerkraut has a sour punch, backed by acidic and salty notes. It's not sour like Sour Patch Kids or Warheads; it has a far more natural taste (close to the flavor of a pickle) that is quite delicious in big heaping doses.

Sauerkraut soup is also popular in many countries such as Poland, Germany, etc. This was initially a soup made and served by the country people, who had created a very simple recipe that only required basic ingredients equating to a very filling meal in a bowl.

In Northeastern Chinese cuisine, suancai is made from napa cabbage or head cabbage and has a taste similar to sauerkraut. As part of the cuisine in Manchuria, it is used with dumplings and boiled, or stir fried.