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Beetroot & Red Cabbage Sauerkraut
VegetarianPolish

Beetroot & Red Cabbage Sauerkraut

Beetroot & Red Cabbage Sauerkraut is a classic Polish vegetarian that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.

Carefully prepared featuring Beetroot, Red Cabbage, Onion, Caraway Seed and Sea Salt, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. The cooking process allows natural aromas to develop, ensuring each portion is both hearty and flavorful.

Serve hot alongside fresh bread, steamed grains, or a crisp seasonal salad for a well-rounded dining experience.

If you enjoy authentic Polish cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Braised Stuffed Cabbage.

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Ingredients

  • Beetroot320g
  • Red Cabbage450g
  • Onion1 small
  • Caraway Seed2 tsp
  • Sea Salt1 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

13 steps

Interactive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.

Step 1⏱️ 5 mins

Tip all the ingredients into a large bowl, add 1-1½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, then scrunch it all together with your hands for 5 mins.

Step 2

You might want to wear gloves to avoid staining your skin with the beetroot juices.

Step 3

Press the veg down in the bowl with your hands, then cover the surface and up the side of the bowl with a large sheet of compostable cling film or something reusable like a beeswax wrap.

Step 4

Now place another similar-sized bowl on top.

Step 5

Press down hard and add anything heavy (packs of rice or cans work well) to weigh it down so the juices rise to cover the surface.

Step 6

Cover again.

Step 7

Leave to ferment at room temperature for at least five days, but for maximum flavour, leave for one-five weeks (until the bubbling subsides).

Step 8

Check the sauerkraut.

Step 9

After a few days, you will see bubbles that have built up as it ferments.

Step 10🥄 Mix

Give it a stir, then cover and weigh it down again as before.

Step 11

The cabbage will become increasingly sour the longer it’s fermented, so taste it now and again.

Step 12

When you like the flavour, transfer it to sterilised jars and keep chilled.

Step 13

Will keep chilled for up to six months.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes

Cultural Heritage

Beetroot & Red Cabbage Sauerkraut carries a rich culinary tradition rooted in regional home cooking. Developed over generations, the recipe highlights wholesome local ingredients prepared with time-honored kitchen techniques.

Dietary Substitutions

If using instant dry yeast instead of active dry yeast, you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing first, reducing wait time by 15 minutes.

Chef Technique Tips

Always ensure liquids used to activate the yeast are comfortably lukewarm (around 38°C–42°C / 100°F–108°F); liquid that is too hot will kill the yeast, while cold liquid delays proofing. Keep the dough in a warm, draft-free spot to rise.

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