Drunkard'S Soup
Drunkard's Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring smoky bacon, tangy sauerkraut, savory sausage, and hearty barley, perfect for comforting meals and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large kettle, sauté bacon until crisp; set aside.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the kettle.
- Add egg barley and sauté until very lightly browned.
- Add finely chopped onion and continue to cook until onion is tender and barley is lightly browned.
- Stir in flour, paprika, and 1 cup of beef stock.
- Cook over low heat until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the remaining beef stock, chopped sauerkraut, crumbled bacon, salt, and bay leaf; simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Add sausage slices and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a bit of liquid smoke. If you don’t have egg barley, you can substitute with regular barley or even small pasta shapes. Adjust the salt based on your beef stock's saltiness, and feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Drunkard's Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream on top adds creaminess, while fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the presentation. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with dishes like Austrian Goulash or can be enjoyed alongside a light appetizer such as a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef stock or water if needed to loosen the soup. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just defrost and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Drunkard'S Soup contains roughly 1367 calories, with 35g protein, 284g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (344% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (193% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1736mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Drunkard's Soup by omitting the bacon and sausage. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock and add more vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance the flavor.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, consider using a milder sausage or reducing the amount of paprika. For a bit of heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or hot paprika while sautéing the onion.
Can I use fresh sauerkraut instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh sauerkraut can be used for a more vibrant flavor. Just be sure to rinse it if it’s very salty or sour, and add it to the soup in the same way as the canned version.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).