Why Make This Recipe
Czech Sauerkraut Soup is perfect for cold days. It is hearty, warm, and packed with flavor. This soup makes use of simple ingredients that create a comforting meal for the whole family. Plus, it’s easy to make and brings a taste of Czech cuisine right to your kitchen.
How to Make Hearty and Traditional Czech Sauerkraut Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon lard or oil (sunflower or vegetable oil)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons sweet paprika
- 3 cups sauerkraut, drained but not rinsed
- 5 cups water or low-sodium broth
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 7 oz (200g) smoked sausage, sliced (kielbasa or Czech-style klobása)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon flour (for slightly thicker soup)
- Optional: pinch of caraway seeds or marjoram
Directions:
- Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until it is golden.
- Stir in the garlic and paprika and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the drained sauerkraut, followed by the water or broth and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the diced potatoes and sausage. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. If you want a thicker soup, stir in a flour slurry and cook for a few more minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve hot with rye bread or crusty rolls.
How to Serve Hearty and Traditional Czech Sauerkraut Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls. It goes perfectly with a slice of rye bread or some crusty rolls on the side. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a pinch of caraway seeds to enhance the flavor right before serving.
How to Store Hearty and Traditional Czech Sauerkraut Soup
You can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
Tips to Make Hearty and Traditional Czech Sauerkraut Soup
- Make sure to use good-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor.
- If you like a spicier soup, add a little pinch of red pepper flakes with the paprika.
- For extra flavor, you can add diced carrots or celery alongside the potatoes.
Variation
You can customize this soup by adding different vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh sauerkraut instead of jarred?
Yes, you can use fresh sauerkraut. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the soup.
2. Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and makes great leftovers, perfect for meal prep.
3. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can easily make it vegan by using vegetable oil, veggie sausage, and vegetable broth instead of meat products.
Hearty and Traditional Czech Sauerkraut Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comforting and flavorful Czech soup perfect for cold days, packed with sauerkraut, potatoes, and smoked sausage.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lard or sunflower/vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons sweet paprika
- 3 cups sauerkraut, drained
- 5 cups water or low-sodium broth
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 7 oz (200g) smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon flour (for thicker soup)
- Optional: pinch of caraway seeds or marjoram
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until golden.
- Stir in the garlic and paprika; cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the drained sauerkraut, water/broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the diced potatoes and sausage. Lower the heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. For a thicker soup, stir in a flour slurry and cook for a few more minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve hot with rye bread or crusty rolls.
Notes
Great with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a pinch of caraway seeds before serving. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Czech