10 Easy to Make Sauerkraut Recipes for a Healthy Gut
If you’re seeking to improve your gut health and introduce more probiotics into your diet, sauerkraut is a fantastic option. This fermented cabbage dish, long celebrated in German cuisine, is not only rich in beneficial microbes but is also delicious and versatile. Whether you’re a fan of its tangy flavour or new to the world of fermented foods, these ten easy to make sauerkraut recipes are perfect for promoting a healthy gut. Sauerkraut is one of the most famous cabbage ferments and I’ve provided a detailed review of it here. Before making your first ferment, if you’d like a comparison with the other famous cabbage ferment – kimchi, I’ve provided a comparison of the two in my sauerkraut vs kimchi page.
Remember to adjust each recipe and instruction based on the specific type of sauerkraut you’re discussing. Happy fermenting!
1. Classic Easy to Make Homemade Sauerkraut
Your journey into sauerkraut starts with the classic recipe. A more detailed description for making homemade sauerkraut is available on the site. If you are familiar with the process, however this slimline version will cover the basics.
Made with just cabbage and salt, it’s simple yet full of flavour. For all of these recipes, I like to use a kilner jar as my fermenting jar. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of organic sea salt
Instructions:
- Slice the cabbage into thin ribbons.
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbage and salt. Toss until the cabbage is coated in salt.
- Massage the cabbage with your hands for about 10 minutes until it starts to release liquid.
- Pack the cabbage tightly into a glass jar, making sure it’s submerged in its own liquid.
- Cover the jar with a cloth and let it sit at room temperature for at least two weeks.
- Check on your sauerkraut every few days, pressing it down if it has floated above the liquid.
2. Caraway Seed Sauerkraut
Adding caraway seeds to your sauerkraut infuses it with a warm, sweet, and slightly peppery flavour that pairs excellently with roast meats.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds
Instructions:
- Follow the instructions for the classic homemade sauerkraut, but add caraway seeds when you toss the cabbage with salt.
3. Apple and Red Cabbage Sauerkraut
For a fruity twist on traditional sauerkraut, try adding apple. The sweetness of the apple beautifully offsets the tangy fermentation.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of red cabbage
- 1 large apple
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
Instructions:
- Follow the instructions for the classic homemade sauerkraut, but use red cabbage instead of green and add finely sliced apple along with the cabbage.
4. Beetroot and Ginger Sauerkraut
For a vibrant and spicy kick, try this Beetroot and Ginger Sauerkraut.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 medium beetroot
- 2 inches fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
Instructions:
- Follow the instructions for the classic homemade sauerkraut, but add grated beetroot and finely chopped ginger along with the cabbage.
5. Dill and Garlic Sauerkraut
Infuse your sauerkraut with the aromatic flavours of dill and garlic.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
Instructions:
- Follow the instructions for the classic homemade sauerkraut, but add dill and garlic when you toss the cabbage with salt.
6. Jalapeno Sauerkraut
Add a spicy punch to your sauerkraut with jalapeno peppers.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 2 jalapeno peppers, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
Instructions:
- Follow the instructions for the classic homemade sauerkraut, but add jalapeno slices when you toss the cabbage with salt.
7. Turmeric and Black Pepper Sauerkraut
Turmeric gives your sauerkraut a beautiful golden colour and health-boosting benefits, while black pepper increases turmeric’s bioavailability.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
Instructions:
- Follow the instructions for the classic homemade sauerkraut, but add turmeric and black pepper when you toss the cabbage with salt.
8. Pineapple Sauerkraut
For a tropical twist, add pineapple to your sauerkraut. The sweetness of the pineapple beautifully balances the tangy sauerkraut.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 cup of finely chopped pineapple
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
Instructions:
- Follow the instructions for the classic homemade sauerkraut, but add pineapple when you toss the cabbage with salt.
9. Fennel and Orange Sauerkraut
This recipe combines the licorice-like flavour of fennel with the brightness of orange zest for a unique sauerkraut variation.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
Instructions:
- Follow the instructions for the classic homemade sauerkraut, adding the orange zest and fennel seeds when you toss the cabbage with salt.
10. Kimchi-Style Sauerkraut
This recipe brings some Korean inspiration into your sauerkraut. It’s spicy, tangy, and full of flavour.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 inch of ginger, finely chopped
- 2 spring onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Follow the instructions for the classic homemade sauerkraut, adding the chili powder, garlic, ginger, and spring onions when you toss the cabbage with salt.
Conclusion:
Sauerkraut is one of the most wonderful of all vegetable fermenters. It is more than just a tasty easy to make side dish—it’s a health-boosting food that’s rich in probiotics for gut health and easy to add to any diet. With these ten sauerkraut recipes, you can enjoy the benefits of this fermented food while exploring a variety of delightful flavours. Remember, the key to successful fermentation is patience, so give your sauerkraut time to develop its rich, tangy flavour. Happy fermenting!