German traditional Sauerkraut

Method8 steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Start by peeling the onion (1 medium). Use a sharp knife to cut it into coarse cubes, about half an inch in size. This size will help the onion cook evenly and add flavor to the sauerkraut.

   Uses 1 medium sized onion

2. 2

   Step 2: Next, gather your spices: take the juniper berries (8), cloves (2), black peppercorns (½ teaspoon), and allspice berries (4), and place them in a spice bag or a small tea infuser. This will make it easier to remove them later.

   Uses 8 juniper berries · 2 whole cloves · ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns · 4 whole allspice berries

3. 3

   Step 3: In a large pot, heat the lard (3.5 tablespoons) over medium heat. If you don’t have lard, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. Once the fat is hot and melted, add the chopped onion (1 medium) to the pot. Stir the onion pieces occasionally with a wooden spoon or spatula. You want the onions to become soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

   Soften onion in lard or butter · 7 minUses 3.5 tablespoons lard (or unsalted butter) · 1 medium sized onion

4. 4

   Step 4: After the onions are cooked, carefully take the pot off the heat to prevent any splattering. Gently add the raw sauerkraut (36 oz) to the pot. Use two forks to fluff the sauerkraut, breaking up any clumps and mixing it with the onions. This will help distribute the flavors evenly. Once the sauerkraut is incorporated, place the pot back on the heat. Stir everything together well.

   Uses 36 oz sauerkraut (about 1 kg) · onion cooked 5-7 minutes in lard or butter

5. 5

   Step 5: Now, add a pinch of sugar to the pot. The sugar will help balance the acidity of the sauerkraut. Carefully place the spice bag or tea infuser with the spices into the pot, making sure they are covered by the sauerkraut. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the sauerkraut to simmer gently.

   Uses 1 pinch of sugar · sachet containing juniper, cloves, peppercorns and allspice · sauerkraut mixed with softened onions and fat

6. 6

   Step 6: Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 60 minutes. During this time, you can occasionally stir it to ensure even cooking.

   Simmer sauerkraut · 60 minUses sauerkraut with sugar and spice sachet

7. 7

   Step 7: If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add a little vegetable broth or dry white wine during the cooking process, especially if the sauerkraut seems too dry.

   Uses a little vegetable broth or dry white wine if sauerkraut seems dry · covered sauerkraut during 60 minute gentle cooking

8. 8

   Step 8: After 60 minutes, check that the sauerkraut is tender but still has some texture. Add the optional diced bacon (1 cup) now if using. Stir and simmer another 10-15 minutes, until the bacon is cooked if added. Remove the spice sachet before serving.

   Simmer with bacon · 15 minUses 1 cup diced bacon (optional) · sauerkraut after 60 minutes covered cooking