Kapuzta Sauerkraut

Discover the bold and comforting flavors of Kapuzta Sauerkraut, a traditional Eastern European-inspired dish that brings tangy sauerkraut, tender cabbage, and smoky bacon together in perfect harmony. This hearty recipe is elevated with aromatic garlic, sweet carrots, and a hint of smoked paprika, simmered to perfection in a base of savory chicken broth or water. The result is a rich and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with kielbasa, pork, or crusty bread for a satisfying vegetarian main. Ready in just an hour, Kapuzta Sauerkraut is a must-try for lovers of fermented foods, cabbage recipes, and heritage-style cooking. Whether you're embracing your culinary roots or exploring new global flavors, this dish is a flavorful celebration of tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 cups Sauerkraut
• 4 cups (shredded) Cabbage
• 6 slices Bacon
• 1 large (chopped) Onion
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 cloves (minced) Garlic
• 1 cup (grated) Carrots
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 Bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 cup Water or chicken broth

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the sauerkraut under cold water to reduce its tanginess, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 3

Add the butter to the bacon fat in the pot and melt over medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 5

Stir in the shredded cabbage and grated carrot, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 6

Add the rinsed and drained sauerkraut to the pot, along with the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Pour in the water or chicken broth, stirring to incorporate. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

After 30 minutes, uncover the pot, add the crumbled bacon, and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate and intensify the flavors.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish with meats like kielbasa or pork, or enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian main dish by pairing it with crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1417.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	840.4

Total Fat 51.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.7g
Cholesterol 130.1mg	0%
Sodium 5050.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 73.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.7g	0%
Total Sugars 33.8g
Protein 29.4g	0%

Vitamin D 29.0IU	0%
Calcium 382.6mg	0%
Iron 9.7mg	0%
Potassium 2304.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.1%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 33.5%