I have loads of requests to post complete recipe for my sauerkraut, well here it is, and its superfood - so be gentle :)
How to Ferment Cabbage to Achieve Sauerkraut: A Step-by-Step Guide by Damian's Kitchen
Fermenting cabbage to make sauerkraut is a simple and rewarding process that results in a tangy, crunchy, and probiotic-rich condiment. Here’s how to do it:
1. Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage (about 2 to 2.5 pounds)
- 1 to 1.5 tablespoons kosher salt or sea salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon caraway seeds or other spices (for flavor) - thats the super cool stuff!
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife or mandoline - don't cut your self y'all, mandoline aint joke!
- Cutting board
- Glass jar or fermentation crock (1-quart size or larger)
- Cabbage leaf (for covering the kraut)
- A weight (like a small jar filled with water)
- Clean cloth or paper towel
- Rubber band or string - don't use one from your wifes hair
2. Prepare the Cabbage
1. Remove Outer Leaves: Peel off a few of the outer leaves of the cabbage and set them aside. You’ll use one of these later to cover the fermenting cabbage.
2. Quarter and Core: Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core.
3. Shred the Cabbage: Thinly slice the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline. The thinner the slices, the faster the cabbage will ferment.
3. Salt the Cabbage
1. Combine Salt and Cabbage: Place the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the cabbage.
2. Massage the Cabbage: Using your hands, massage the cabbage for 5-10 minutes. The cabbage will start to soften and release water, creating a natural brine.
3. Optional Flavoring: If using caraway seeds or other spices, sprinkle them in after the cabbage has released its moisture and mix well.
4. Pack the Cabbage into the Jar
1. Pack Tightly: Begin packing the salted cabbage into your clean glass jar or fermentation crock. Press down firmly with your fist or a spoon to remove air pockets and submerge the cabbage in its brine.
2. Create a Brine: As you pack the cabbage, liquid should rise to cover it. If there’s not enough brine to cover the cabbage, you can add a bit of water with dissolved salt (about 1 teaspoon of salt per cup of water).
5. Weight and Cover
1. Add a Cabbage Leaf: Take one of the reserved cabbage leaves and press it down over the top of the shredded cabbage to keep everything submerged.
2. Add a Weight: Place a fermentation weight or a small, clean jar filled with water on top of the cabbage leaf to keep the cabbage submerged under the brine.
3. Cover the Jar: Cover the mouth of the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel and secure it with a rubber band or string. This allows air to escape while keeping dust and bugs out.
6. Fermentation Process
1. Store at Room Temperature: Place the jar in a cool, dark place (ideally around 65-75°F / 18-24°C). Let it ferment for at least 1 week.
2. Check Daily: Check the sauerkraut daily to ensure the cabbage remains submerged under the brine. If mold forms on the surface, simply skim it off. This is normal and doesn’t affect the fermentation below the brine.
3. Taste and Time: After 1 week, start tasting the sauerkraut. The longer it ferments, the tangier it will become. Fermentation can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks depending on your preference and ambient temperature.
7. Store Your Sauerkraut
1. Once Ready: When the sauerkraut reaches your desired level of tanginess, remove the weight and cabbage leaf.
2. Transfer and Refrigerate: Transfer the sauerkraut to a smaller jar, if needed, and seal it with a lid. Store it in the refrigerator where it will continue to ferment slowly and stay fresh for several months.
8. Enjoy Your Sauerkraut
- Serve It Up: Sauerkraut can be enjoyed on its own, as a side dish, or added to sandwiches, kapusniak, salads, and more. It’s a versatile condiment that adds a delightful tangy crunch to many meals.
Tip: The fermentation process is flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment with flavours or fermentation times to find your perfect sauerkraut!
Now you have homemade sauerkraut ready to enhance your meals with its unique flavour and health benefits. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Share across family, give it to your friend as birthday present, eat well and be happy!
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