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Hearty Polish Sauerkraut Soup (Kapusniak)

A close-up of a rich, yellow bowl of sauerkraut soup filled with chunks of potato, shredded sauerkraut, and pieces of browned sausage.
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Make authentic Polish Sauerkraut Soup, known as Kapusniak. This recipe is hearty, tangy, and comforting, featuring smoked meat and potatoes, perfect for cold weather meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon oil or bacon fat
  • 1 pound smoked pork, kielbasa, or bacon, cut into pieces
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 6 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 pound sauerkraut, drained and rinsed slightly (or use juice for more tang)
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

  1. If using bacon or fatty pork, cook it in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until browned and crisp. Remove meat, leaving rendered fat in the pot. If using lean kielbasa, brown it lightly.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté in the fat until the onion is translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Return the cooked meat to the pot. Add the broth, drained sauerkraut, cubed potatoes, bay leaf, marjoram, and caraway seeds.
  4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the potatoes and meat are tender.
  5. Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. If you prefer a creamy soup, stir in the heavy cream or sour cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Do not boil after adding cream.
  7. Serve hot. This is a great make ahead soup; the flavor deepens overnight.

Notes

  • For a tangier soup, use less water when rinsing the sauerkraut, or add a splash of the reserved sauerkraut juice.
  • If you want a Reuben Soup variation, skip the marjoram and caraway, use corned beef, and stir in 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese at the end.
  • This soup freezes well for future hearty winter meals.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/sauerkraut-soup-recipe-kapusniak/