Old Fashion Sauerkraut Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup featuring tender potatoes, savory sauerkraut, and tender pork, perfect for comforting meals and lovers of tangy, meaty flavors. Suitable for cold days or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pork bones to extract the meat and flavor, then reserve the meat.
- In a pot, cook the cubed potatoes until tender.
- Add the cooked meat, homemade sauerkraut, and salt to the potatoes.
- Simmer the mixture for about 2 hours to develop flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced onions or carrots while cooking the potatoes. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the pork bones with vegetable broth and add some smoked paprika for depth. Adjust the salt based on your taste and the saltiness of the sauerkraut. If you have some on hand, a splash of Cole Farms Dressing can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauerkraut soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Kids Dog Biscuits for a fun twist that appeals to the whole family.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely to prevent splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashion Sauerkraut Soup contains roughly 853 calories, with 12g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1775mg per serving (77% 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 use store-bought sauerkraut instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use store-bought sauerkraut if you don’t have homemade on hand. Just ensure it’s high-quality and preferably unpasteurized for the best flavor. You may want to adjust the salt in the recipe since store-bought varieties can vary in saltiness.
What type of pork bones work best for this soup?
Pork neck bones or spare ribs are excellent choices as they add a rich flavor to the broth. You can also use ham hocks for a smokier taste. Just remember to remove any excess fat after cooking to keep the soup light and flavorful.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
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).