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Jar of homemade sauerkraut with shredded cabbage

Tangy fermented cabbage with just salt

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut

168h 20mEasy

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

0 min

Total Time

168 hr 20 min

Servings

16

1 quart

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Sauerkraut

Tangy fermented cabbage with just salt

Crisp, tangy sauerkraut made with nothing more than cabbage and salt. This ancient preservation method produces a probiotic-rich condiment with a clean, bright sour flavor.

20m

Prep Time

0m

Cook Time

10100m

Total Time

16

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

French CuisineSide DishVeganGluten-FreeDairy-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

February 15, 2024(Updated April 12, 2026)

Sauerkraut is fermentation at its simplest—just cabbage and salt. The salt draws out the cabbage's own juices, creating a brine where beneficial bacteria transform it into tangy, probiotic-rich sauerkraut.

Why This Recipe Works

Salt creates an environment where lactobacillus bacteria thrive while harmful bacteria cannot survive. The cabbage's own liquid becomes the fermentation brine—no water needed.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • Optional: 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • Optional: 1 bay leaf
  • Clean glass jar with lid
  • Small weight or zip-lock bag with water

Instructions

  1. 1

    Remove outer leaves and core the cabbage. Shred finely with a knife or mandoline.

  2. 2

    Toss cabbage with salt in a large bowl. Massage firmly for 10 minutes until wilted and juicy.

  3. 3

    Pack tightly into a clean jar, pressing down hard so the liquid rises above the cabbage.

  4. 4

    Weigh the cabbage down with a small weight or water-filled bag to keep it submerged.

  5. 5

    Cover loosely and ferment at room temperature for 1-4 weeks, tasting weekly. Refrigerate when tangy enough.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve alongside a fresh baguette and salted butter

  • Pair with a crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette

Substitutions

Green cabbageRed cabbage

Makes beautiful purple sauerkraut with the same great flavor

Caraway seedsJuniper berries

Traditional German addition with a piney flavor

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Massage the cabbage vigorously—you should have plenty of liquid to cover it.

  • If the brine does not cover the cabbage after packing, dissolve 1 tsp salt in 1 cup water and add.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 6 months. The flavor mellows and improves over time.

Reheating

Serve cold or warm gently. Do not boil or you will kill the beneficial bacteria.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (0mg) · 16 servings

Calories10
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein0g
Carbohydrates0g
Fat2g
Fiber220mg
Sugar1g
Sodium1g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I ferment?
Minimum 1 week, ideal 2-4 weeks. Taste weekly until you like the sourness level.
There is white stuff on top—is it mold?
White film (kahm yeast) is harmless. Skim it off. Fuzzy colored mold means start over.

Explore More

More French RecipesMore Side DishVegan RecipesGluten-Free RecipesDairy-Free RecipesNo-Cook Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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