Polish Sauerkraut Soup, also known as “Kapusniak,” is a hearty, flavorful dish made with sauerkraut, pork, and vegetables. It’s a comforting soup with a tangy taste, ideal for cold weather. Here’s a traditional recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) sauerkraut (drained and chopped if necessary)
- 1 lb (450g) pork (preferably pork shoulder or ribs), cut into pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried marjoram (optional)
- 4 cups (1 liter) of water or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp oil or butter (for frying)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tbsp flour (optional, to thicken the soup)
- Fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
- 1-2 tbsp sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
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Cook the pork: In a large pot, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Add the pork pieces and brown them on all sides. Once browned, remove the pork and set aside.
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Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
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Prepare the soup base: Return the pork to the pot, then add the sauerkraut, potatoes, bay leaf, marjoram (if using), and water or broth. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 1–1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and the flavors meld together. Check occasionally and add more water if necessary.
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Season the soup: Once the soup is done, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a little sugar (if desired). If you like a thicker soup, you can mix the flour with a little water to make a slurry and stir it into the soup.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, optionally adding a dollop of sour cream and garnishing with fresh dill.
Tips:
- Some versions of the soup may include smoked meat, like kielbasa, for an added smoky flavor.
- If you prefer a richer taste, you can use a bit of bacon or pancetta as well.
- The longer the soup sits, the better the flavors meld, so it’s often even better the next day!
Enjoy your comforting bowl of Polish Sauerkraut Soup!