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Hearty Traditional Polish Sauerkraut Soup (Kapusniak)

Close-up of a creamy sauerkraut soup bowl filled with potatoes, carrots, and topped with fresh dill.
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This Kapusniak recipe delivers a comforting and authentic Polish Sauerkraut Soup, balancing the tang of fermented cabbage with savory pork and potatoes for a satisfying winter meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound sauerkraut, drained and rinsed lightly
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a richer soup)
  • Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the pork and set it aside.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the drained sauerkraut, broth, diced potatoes, bay leaf, marjoram, and caraway seeds.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender.
  5. Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste.
  6. If you prefer a creamy sauerkraut soup, stir in the heavy cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Do not boil after adding cream.
  7. Ladle the hearty sauerkraut soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.

Notes

  • For a more authentic flavor, do not rinse the sauerkraut completely; a little brine adds necessary tang.
  • If you want a quicker meal, substitute the pork shoulder with 1 pound of smoked kielbasa, sliced, added during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
  • This soup freezes well; omit the cream if you plan to freeze leftovers, and stir it in when reheating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/sauerkraut-soup-recipe-hearty-polish-kapusniak/