Grandma's method for making sauerkraut in jars. Always remember this step
Sauerkraut is an excellent addition to many dishes. Sauerkraut salad, bigos, or cabbage soup taste especially delicious when prepared with homemade sauerkraut. Try this old and tried-and-true sauerkraut recipe, one our grandmothers used.
Ingredients · Servings 5-6 people
- 3.75 kg of chopped white cabbage,
- 0.25 kg of grated carrots,
- 80 g of rock salt
Method · 1 h
- Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and wash it, then slice it into thin strips or grate it using a cabbage grater. Rinse and peel the carrots thoroughly. Grate them using a large-hole grater to create shreds. Add a measured amount of salt to the chopped vegetables and mix thoroughly. The next step is to pound or mash the cabbage. This is a somewhat tedious process, as it must be done until the cabbage releases its juices. Remember, the thinner you slice the cabbage, the less pounding will be required to release the juices.
- How can you knead cabbage? Some people prefer kneading it by hand, but we recommend using a wooden spoon with a ball. Remember that you can pound or knead the cabbage several times. This activity is quite tiring, so it's worth pounding the cabbage for a few minutes and then letting it rest for fifteen minutes. During this time, your hands, tired from kneading or pounding, will regenerate, and you'll be ready for the next round with more energy.
- You can successfully ferment cabbage in jars (for this amount of vegetables, you'll need about 10 0.5-liter jars). You don't need to buy a special barrel or stoneware container. Place a small amount of cabbage in each jar, pressing it down until a layer of juice appears on top. Fill the jars ¾ full.
- Seal the jars tightly (don't tighten them too much, as they can't be airtight; the gases released during pickling must escape). Store them in a dark, warm place (up to about 20 degrees Celsius) for 7-14 days. After a week, check the cabbage's fermentation level. If it's done properly, move the jars to a cool place (the refrigerator is fine).
