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Easy Homemade Sauerkraut with Caraway Seeds

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A simple and approachable recipe for homemade sauerkraut with a warm, nutty flavor from caraway seeds. Perfect for beginners, this tangy, crunchy condiment adds a bright twist to meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds green cabbage (about 900 grams), finely shredded
  • 1 to 1.5 tablespoons coarse sea salt or kosher salt (non-iodized)
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
  • Filtered water (optional, if needed to top up the jar)

Instructions

  1. Remove outer leaves from cabbage, slice into quarters, and remove the core. Shred finely to about 1/8-inch thickness (3 mm).
  2. Place shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle salt evenly over cabbage. Massage and squeeze cabbage with clean hands for 5-7 minutes until wilted and liquid is released.
  3. Add caraway seeds and mix evenly through the cabbage.
  4. Pack the cabbage firmly into a fermentation jar, pressing down so brine rises above the cabbage. Leave about 1.5 inches (4 cm) of space at the top.
  5. Place a weight on top to keep cabbage submerged under the brine. Add filtered water a teaspoon at a time if brine does not cover cabbage completely.
  6. Cover the jar with a cloth secured by a rubber band or use a fermentation lid. Keep at room temperature (65-75°F / 18-24°C) out of direct sunlight for 7-14 days.
  7. Check daily, pressing down the weight to keep cabbage submerged and skim off any surface scum.
  8. After about one week, taste the sauerkraut. When tangy and crunchy to your liking, transfer to the refrigerator to slow fermentation. Best eaten within 3-4 weeks.

Notes

Use non-iodized salt to ensure proper fermentation. Keep cabbage submerged under brine to prevent mold. If brine is insufficient, add filtered water a teaspoon at a time. Fermentation time can be adjusted for milder (5-7 days) or stronger flavor (3 weeks or longer). Keep all equipment clean but avoid harsh sanitizers. Store finished sauerkraut refrigerated and consume within 3-4 weeks for best quality.

Nutrition

Keywords: sauerkraut, homemade sauerkraut, fermentation, caraway seeds, fermented cabbage, easy sauerkraut, beginner fermentation, gut health, probiotic foods

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-homemade-sauerkraut-with-caraway-seeds-recipe-for-beginners/