Sauerkraut Soup("Kapusniak")
A hearty Polish-style sauerkraut soup rich in pork flavors, smoky sausage, and sweet raisins, perfect for warming up cold days and enjoyed with potato dumplings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. pork shanks or ham hocks ⓘ
- 1 qt. water
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 5 peppercorns ⓘ
- 1 sprig parsley or 1/4 tsp. dried parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 c. meat broth or bouillon ⓘ
- 8 to 12 oz. bacon or smoked link sausage
- 1/4 c. raisins or 2 Tbsp. sugar (optional) ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. lard or margarine ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook pork shanks in water in a 5-quart kettle for 20 minutes. Skim off foam.
- Add onion, bay leaf, peppercorns, and parsley. Cook about 45 minutes or until the meat is tender.
- Remove meat from broth.
- Strain broth and return to kettle.
- Remove meat from bone and discard bone and skin.
- Dice the meat.
- Rinse sauerkraut with cold water and drain.
- Add diced meat, drained sauerkraut, beef broth, bacon (if using), and raisins (if using) to the kettle.
- Simmer for 1 hour.
- Mix lard and flour to a smooth paste and stir into the simmering soup.
- Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened.
- Add salt and pepper, and serve. Optional: serve with plain boiled potato dumplings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using smoked pork shanks or adding a touch of liquid smoke. If you want a lighter version, substitute some of the pork with turkey or chicken. For thickening, you can use cornstarch instead of flour if needed. Rinsing the sauerkraut is essential to balance the soup's acidity, but adjust to your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauerkraut soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with plain boiled potato dumplings or crusty bread for a satisfying meal. For a complete dining experience, consider serving alongside German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer) for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sauerkraut Soup("Kapusniak") contains roughly 401 calories, with 14g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 653mg per serving (28% 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 fresh sauerkraut instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh sauerkraut for a more vibrant flavor. Just be sure to rinse it well and drain before adding it to the soup. Fresh sauerkraut may require a bit more cooking time, so adjust accordingly to achieve the desired tenderness.
What can I substitute for lard?
If you prefer not to use lard, you can substitute it with butter, olive oil, or even vegetable oil. Each option will slightly alter the flavor, but all will provide the necessary fat for thickening the soup. Be sure to adjust the quantity based on your preference for richness.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of sauerkraut soup, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth. You can add mushrooms for an earthy flavor and use smoked paprika to mimic the smokiness of meat. Just be aware that the texture and depth of flavor will differ from the traditional recipe.
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).