This sauerkraut soup recipe is perfect for those cold winters. Those days when you need something to warm you up from the inside out. It’s also a great way to use any sauerkraut that you might have. So, if you’re looking for a new soup recipe to try out this winter, be sure to give this one a go. You won’t be disappointed.
Soup, The Perfect Comfort Food
For our whole family, soup is the perfect comfort food, and this sauerkraut soup recipe is no exception. With a savory broth, hearty sausage, and flavorful sauerkraut, this soup is sure to please everyone at your table. Plus, it’s loaded with healthy probiotics from the sauerkraut. Bring on Soup Season.
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New Restaurant Soup
We were out to eat a few weeks ago at our favorite local restaurant and we tried their sauerkraut soup. My daughter and I were happy to try a new soup. It was amazing! The distinctive sour flavor of the sauerkraut is present, yet there is a savory broth with a deep and rich flavor profile.
Of course, when I got home, I scoured the Internet looking for the recipe. There are so many variations; however, none had the same ingredients. I had to figure out the recipe.
I started tinkering around and did some experimenting and this healthy soup is the result. Called my daughter over, yup. She agreed.
We now have a delicious soup recipe to add to our winter comfort food recipe card. Just perfect on those cold days.
Sauerkraut is an acquired taste for some people, for other people, it is one of those delicious foods that they crave and enjoy often. If you make your own homemade sauerkraut, this is a great recipe to enjoy using that. Simple ingredients with amazing results.
Six Things When Making This Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Recipe
First, the number of vegetables can be changed. You really do not have to measure. Just make sure that there is enough savory soup broth to cover everything in the soup kettle.
Second, this recipe uses a combination of both chicken and beef flavoring. if you happen to have well flavored chicken stock and beef on hand use that. If not, use bouillon cubes or Better than Bouillon seasoning to season water that is added to make the broth. It all works.
Third, you can swap out the ketchup for tomato paste. I had ketchup on hand, so that is what I used today.
Fourth, I used a kielbasa for this recipe; however, any Polish sausage or something similar would work.
Fifth, since the sauerkraut already has a bit of saltiness, I drained the liquid and did not add any more salt to this dish.
Sixth and for some, maybe the most important. If you love bacon, this is the perfect soup recipe to add some. I have added a half pound diced and pre-cooked in a skillet. It is a delicious combination of the zing from the kraut and the subtle smokiness of the bacon.
Enjoy the leftovers for several days.
How to Make Sauerkraut Soup
I used frozen meatballs. However, you can make your own meatballs. I have shared my meatball recipe in this Italian meatball soup recipe. If you decide to make your own, just brown them a bit in the same soup kettle and set aside.
In your favorite Dutch oven or a large soup pot add a little oil and sauté the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Add the diced potatoes, ketchup, drained sauerkraut, and kielbasa. Stir to combine.
Next add the water, chicken and beef bouillon flavor, black pepper, thyme, and soy sauce,
Bring to a gentle simmer and continue to cook for 20 minutes or until the carrots and the potatoes are fork tender.
Can This Soup be Made in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, it can. This is a perfect slow cooker soup. Just add all the ingredients, set it on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. When the carrots and potatoes are tender, the soup is ready.
How Long Does Sauerkraut Last in the Refrigerator?
In order to answer the question on how long does sauerkraut last in the refrigerator, the short answer is from a week to a few month.
However, the long answer depends on which type of sauerkraut you are referring to.
There are two types of sauerkraut:
- Unpasteurized, which is sold in the grocery store in the refrigerator section.
- Pasteurized, which has been canned and is sold on store shelves.
In the refrigerator, pasteurized sauerkraut will keep a week or so after opening as it quickly goes bad. On the other hand, unpasteurized sauerkraut, on the other hand, will keep for months after opening if it is immersed in the brine and kept refrigerated.
What to Serve with Easy Sauerkraut Soup Recipe?
On a cold winter day, this is a soup that pairs well with a piece of fresh crusty bread. Perfect for dipping and sopping up all the delicious sauerkraut soup.
Corn chips and crackers are wonderful to use as a dip for the flavorful sauce too.
A dollop of sour cream or crème fraiche gives this soup a fresh creaminess that amps up the flavors even more.
You may enjoy these other delicious recipes if you love this soup.
Sauerkraut Soup Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Oil
- 1 Cup Onion diced
- 2 Stalks Celery diced
- 3 Medium Carrots diced
- 3 Medium Potatoes diced
- 24 Ounces Sauerkraut drained
- 14 Ounces Kielbasa sliced into bite-size pieces 1 ring
- ½ Cup Ketchup
- 10.75 Ounces Tomato Soup 1 can
- 6 Cups Water
- 1 Tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor or a chicken bouillon or beef broth
- 1 Tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Beef Flavor or a beef bouillon or beef broth
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon Ground Thyme
- 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
Instructions
- In a large pot on medium-high heat add the oil and sauté the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.2 Tablespoons Oil, 1 Cup Onion, 2 Stalks Celery, 3 Medium Carrots
- Add the diced potatoes, drained sauerkraut, ketchup, and kielbasa. Stir to combine.3 Medium Potatoes, 24 Ounces Sauerkraut, 14 Ounces Kielbasa, ½ Cup Ketchup
- Next add the tomato soup, water, chicken and beef bouillon flavor, black pepper, thyme, and soy sauce,10.75 Ounces Tomato Soup, 6 Cups Water, 1 Tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor, 1 Tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Beef Flavor, 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper, ¼ Teaspoon Ground Thyme, 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- Bring to a simmer and continue to cook for 20 minutes or until the carrots and the potatoes are fork tender.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Recipe Video
Can This Soup be Made in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, it can. This is a perfect slow cooker soup. Just add all the ingredients, set it on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. When the carrots and potatoes are tender, the soup is ready.Nutrition
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You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.