Ukrainian Soup’s Secret: Sauerkraut

Introduction to Ukrainian Cuisine

Ukrainian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and hearty dishes, and one of the most popular ingredients used in many recipes is sauerkraut. Adding fermented vegetables to the first course of a meal is common in Ukrainian cuisine, and one of the most popular pickled-vegetable dishes is sauerkraut soup. It might sound a little odd, but trust me — it’s breathtaking. This recipe is from my cookbook “The Authentic Ukrainian Kitchen,” and is so easy to make that you can prepare it every week throughout the cold season.

The Secret to Sauerkraut Soup

Combining the sauerkraut with the pork is the key. The sourness balances out the fat, enhancing the taste of the dish. Many Ukrainian cooks make a version of kapusnyak with fresh cabbage. To try that, just replace half the sauerkraut with shredded fresh cabbage.

Kapusnyak/Sauerkraut Soup Recipe

Servings: 4 to 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) boneless pork shoulder
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 allspice berries
• 1 large carrot
• 1 large onion
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sunflower oil
• 2½ cups (300 grams) sauerkraut
• 4 to 5 medium starchy potatoes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. Cut the pork shoulder into bite-size pieces and put them in a medium stockpot. Add enough cold water to completely cover the meat and bring to a rapid boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and cook at a simmer for about 1 hour, occasionally skimming off and discarding the foam. After an hour, add the bay leaf and the allspice and continue cooking over low heat.
2. While the broth is simmering, shred the carrot using a box grater. Peel and dice the onion. Add a little oil to a sauté pan placed over medium heat and sauté the shredded carrot and the diced onion until fragrant. Add the sauerkraut. Ladle some of the broth into the pan so the vegetables don’t dry out. Once the vegetables are tender, take the pan off the heat.
3. Peel and dice the potatoes and add them to the broth. Simmer for about 20 minutes and then add the sautéed vegetables to the pot. Bring everything to a rapid boil, reduce the heat, simmer the soup for about 5 minutes, and remove from the heat. Season with a little salt and freshly ground pepper and let rest a little before serving.

About the Author

Yevhen Klopotenko is a Ukrainian chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and social activist. He is known for his cooking website klopotenko.com, promoting authentic Ukrainian cuisine around the world.

Conclusion

Sauerkraut soup is a delicious and hearty dish that showcases the best of Ukrainian cuisine. With its unique combination of sauerkraut and pork, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking to try something new or want to explore the flavors of Ukrainian cuisine, this recipe is a great place to start.

FAQs

Q: What is the key to making a good sauerkraut soup?
A: Combining the sauerkraut with the pork is the key. The sourness balances out the fat, enhancing the taste of the dish.
Q: Can I use fresh cabbage instead of sauerkraut?
A: Yes, many Ukrainian cooks make a version of kapusnyak with fresh cabbage. To try that, just replace half the sauerkraut with shredded fresh cabbage.
Q: How long does it take to make the soup?
A: The soup takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to make, including preparation and cooking time.
Q: Can I serve the soup as a main course?
A: Yes, the soup is hearty and filling, making it a great option for a main course. You can serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.

This image released by Voracious shows the cookbook “The Authentic Ukrainian Kitchen” by Yevhen Klopotenko. (Voracious via AP)
This image released by Voracious shows a sauerkraut soup recipe from the cookbook “The Authentic Ukrainian Kitchen” by Yevhen Klopotenko. (Voracious via AP)
Excerpted from “The Authentic Ukrainian Kitchen” by Yevhen Klopotenko. Copyright (copyright) 2024 by Yevhen Klopotenko. Photograph by Dima Bahta. Used with permission of Voracious, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company. New York, NY. All rights reserved.