Nutellah_
Culinary Explorer
Hey there! Ready to embark on a tangy adventure? Let's dive into the world of homemade sauerkraut! With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you'll be enjoying your own deliciously crunchy and probiotic-rich sauerkraut in no time. Let's get fermenting!
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized head of cabbage (green or purple)
212×321
122.4 kB - 1 tablespoon of salt (non-iodized)
- Optional: Caraway seeds, juniper berries, or other spices for flavor variation
- Start by removing the outer leaves of the cabbage and discarding them. Rinse the cabbage under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, thinly slice the cabbage into shreds using a knife or a mandoline slicer.
- Place the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the salt over the top.
- Massage the salt into the cabbage using your hands, squeezing and kneading the cabbage for about 5-10 minutes. This will help break down the cell walls and release the cabbage's natural juices.
- If using any additional spices, mix them in with the cabbage.
- Pack the cabbage tightly into a clean glass jar or fermenting crock, pressing it down firmly as you go to remove any air bubbles.
- Once all the cabbage is packed into the jar, pour any remaining liquid from the mixing bowl over the top to cover the cabbage completely.
- Place a weight on top of the cabbage to keep it submerged under the liquid. This could be a clean stone, a smaller jar filled with water, or a purpose-made fermentation weight.
- Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel and secure it with a rubber band or string. This will allow gases to escape while keeping out dust and debris.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark place to ferment for about 1-4 weeks, depending on your taste preferences. Check the sauerkraut regularly and taste-test it until it reaches the desired level of tanginess.
- Once fermented to your liking, remove the weight and cover the jar with a lid. Store the sauerkraut in the refrigerator, where it will continue to ferment slowly and develop flavor over time.