What Spices Go Best with Sauerkraut?
Cooking with sauerkraut is an excellent way to add a unique flavour to any meal. Whether you are looking for a traditional German side dish, or a creative way to spice up dinner, knowing what spices to use with sauerkraut can help you create a delicious dish. But what spices go with sauerkraut? In this blog post, we will explore the different spices that can be used to enhance the flavour of sauerkraut, so you can make the most of this versatile vegetable ferment.
What is sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is a traditional German dish, made by fermenting cabbage and other vegetables with salt, caraway and juniper berries. It has a tangy, sour flavour and is usually eaten as a side dish. It can also be used as a main component to a meal such as in this Ukrainian Kobasa Kapusta (sausage and sauerkraut) dish. Sauerkraut is high in fibre and vitamins, and is a great source of probiotics, making it a great accompaniment to a variety of dishes. In its most basic form, sauerkraut is salt and cabbage left to get on with things for a few weeks.
As with making fermented pickles using cucumbers, lactobacillus bacteria are responsible for the fermentation process creating lactic acid which helps prevent the bad bacteria from taking hold and causing the cabbage to go off. These good bacteria – the lactobacillus are also fantastic for the digestive tract.
Additional ingredients
However, to bring out the flavour of sauerkraut, caraway seeds and juniper berries are often used. For a more intense flavour, you can also try adding garlic, coriander, onion, pepper and bay leaves. These spices combine to create a unique and delicious flavour that pairs perfectly with sauerkraut.
Sauerkraut is a versatile and nutritious accompaniment to sausages, stews and roasts, as well as sandwiches and salads. Adding spices such as caraway seeds, juniper berries, garlic, onion, pepper and bay leaves to sauerkraut will help to bring out the flavour of the dish.
What Spices Go with Sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is traditionally prepared with a variety of spices. Caraway seeds are a classic addition to kraut, providing a warm, earthy flavour and aroma that perfectly complements the tartness of the sauerkraut. Juniper berries are also widely used, adding a subtle, slightly bitter and piney flavour. Allspice is another classic spice that goes well in your fermented cabbage. It provides a fragrant, sweet and spicy taste. Bay leaves deliver a subtle yet distinct woody and fragrant flavour, while mustard seeds add a pungent and spicy flavour. Coriander, with its mild citrusy flavour, adds a unique taste to the dish. Each of these spices can be used to create a variety of delicious sauerkraut variants that will tantalise your taste buds.
Are These Spices Good for Gut Health?
Not only are you getting the goodness from the probiotics in the kraut, but adding these spices could give your gut a health kick. Cumin and caraway seeds have antispasmodic properties, which can help to reduce indigestion and bloating. Cloves contain eugenol, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in digestion. Bay leaves are known to reduce stomach cramps and can help reduce gastric discomfort. Finally, juniper berries are known for their antioxidant properties which can help reduce inflammation in the digestive system.
If you are keen on boosting your gut health, then there is plenty of evidence that eating probiotic foods at certain times will have more or less impact.
What Types of Herbs Go Well with Sauerkraut?
In addition to a variety of spices that can be added to this fermented superfood, there are many herbs that can also be considered.
Dill is a great choice for those looking for a mild flavour. It adds a nice herbal flavour to the sauerkraut and is a perfect accompaniment. Caraway seeds are another classic choice for sauerkraut and add a subtle, nutty flavour to the dish. Marjoram is a fragrant herb that adds a sweet, savoury flavour to sauerkraut. Thyme is a great herb that adds a woody, herbal flavour. Parsley adds a delicate herbal flavour to sauerkraut and is a great way to brighten up the dish. Finally, bay leaves add a subtle, aromatic flavour to sauerkraut and are great for adding depth and complexity.
These herbs are all wonderful choices for sauerkraut and can help you to create a delicious and flavourful dish. With the right combination of spices, sauerkraut can become a real treat.
Can You Add Onion to Sauerkraut
Onion with its prebiotic goodness, is a classic addition to sauerkraut, adding a sweet and pungent flavour. It’s a great way to enhance the flavour of sauerkraut and add a touch of sweetness. Onions can be cooked into sauerkraut or added raw for a more intense flavour. For a milder flavour, try caramelising onions and adding them to the sauerkraut. This will add a subtle sweetness as well as a beautiful colour. If you prefer some texture and crunch, try adding diced onions. This will add a great contrast of texture and flavour to the sauerkraut.
And are there other ingredients that could be added?
Fruit can certainly be added to round out a kraut. Apples, apricots, and pears are all great choices as they bring a natural sweetness that pairs well with the saltiness of the sauerkraut. Adding fruit to the mix also adds a welcome contrast to the texture of the sauerkraut. For a more intense flavour, try adding dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins. For a hint of tartness, add some lemon or lime zest to the mix. The possibilities are endless and adding fruit to your fermented cabbage can make it an even more enjoyable superfood side dish.
And anything else like vegetables?
Additionally, other vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and turnips can be added to the kraut to give it a more filling texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try swede or beetroot which gives a great colour – making your kraut delicious and Instagram and pinterest worthy.
Classic or with a twist?
Sauerkraut is an incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Now you know the answer to the question ‘what spices go with sauerkraut’; whether you’re a fan of classic combinations like caraway seeds and juniper berries, or want to try something a bit more adventurous, like turmeric and paprika, there’s a delicious spice combination out there for everyone.
The great thing with this fermented superfood is that once you have the basics in place, you can simply throw away your cookbooks and go wild with your food and spice based adventures based upon whatever your mind thinks of.
Experiment with different spices and have fun creating your own unique sauerkraut recipes.