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Red Cabbage Sauerkraut Recipe

5 from 64 reviews

This homemade red cabbage sauerkraut recipe offers a tangy, crunchy fermented side dish made with simple ingredients and traditional fermentation techniques. Perfect for adding a burst of flavor and probiotics to your meals, this sauerkraut is naturally preserved and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1/2 large head red cabbage, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • About 3 cups filtered water

Instructions

  1. Sanitize jar: Clean and sanitize a glass mason jar or multiple jars, depending on the cabbage size, to prevent unwanted bacteria from interfering with the fermentation process.
  2. Slice cabbage: Remove any damaged outer leaves, cut the cabbage in half, discard the core, then thinly slice the cabbage into even ribbons.
  3. Massage cabbage: Place the sliced cabbage in a clean bowl and sprinkle with sea salt. Massage with your hands for 2-3 minutes until the cabbage softens and releases natural juices.
  4. Pack jar: Tightly pack the massaged cabbage into the sanitized jar. Pour filtered water over the cabbage until fully submerged, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
  5. Ferment: Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band. Keep the jar on the countertop away from direct sunlight and ferment for 7 days. Check daily to ensure cabbage stays submerged. Once the desired tang is reached, replace the cover with a lid and store in the refrigerator.
  6. Serve: Enjoy your homemade red cabbage sauerkraut as a healthy probiotic-rich side dish or add it to sandwiches, salads, or your favorite meals for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the cabbage stays submerged under the water to prevent mold growth.
  • Use filtered water to avoid chlorine, which can inhibit fermentation.
  • Fermentation time can be adjusted based on taste preference; longer fermentation yields a stronger sour flavor.
  • Store finished sauerkraut in the refrigerator for up to several months.
  • Always use clean utensils to remove sauerkraut from the jar to maintain freshness.

Keywords: red cabbage, sauerkraut, fermented vegetables, probiotic, homemade sauerkraut, fermented side dish, healthy condiment, German cuisine