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Indulge in the perfect comfort soup recipe – Czech Sauerkraut Soup! This hearty and flavorful dish is packed with probiotics and wholesome ingredients that will leave your gut thanking you. Discover the deliciousness and health benefits of this Czech sauerkraut soup, a true treat for your taste buds and well-being.

In case you didn’t know it – I’m Czech! After 13 years of living abroad, I am back in the Czech Republic. You can read more about my story here. I love seeing this part of central Europe (and its cousine) through a fresh pair of eyes after so many years away. “Zelňačka” or Sauerkraut soup is a Czech food I always took for granted growing up, and never really had the incentive to appreciate. It is such a common Czech recipe and yet it delivers so much goodness. It has quickly become our family favorite for a quick lunch or comforting bowl of comfort food. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gut Loving: Fermented cabbage and bone broth are amazing for gut health. Filled with gut-loving bacteria, this soup is a probiotic masterpiece. 
Fast: This hearty soup only takes about 30mins to make. 
Easy: Definitely beginner friendly. If you have all the ingredients at hand, it will be a breeze. 
Delicious: So tasty and satisfying! We eat this Czech cabbage soup year-round, but it is especially satisfying as comfort food on chilly nights. 

Benefits of Eating Fermented Foods

Sauerkraut and bone broth are two popular fermented foods that offer unique health benefits when incorporated into a balanced diet. Let’s explore the advantages of consuming these two nourishing options:

Sauerkraut:

Sauerkraut is made by fermenting cabbage with salt, allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive and transform the cabbage into a tangy, probiotic-rich food. Here are some benefits of adding sauerkraut to your meals:

1. Probiotic Powerhouse: Sauerkraut is teeming with live bacteria strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which promote a healthy gut flora. These probiotics support digestion, boost immune function, and aid in nutrient absorption.
2. Vitamin C and Antioxidants: Fermentation enhances the bioavailability of nutrients in sauerkraut, including vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial for immune function, collagen synthesis, and acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against cell damage.
3. Digestive Aid: The enzymes produced during fermentation break down the cabbage fibers, making sauerkraut easier to digest. The beneficial bacteria in sauerkraut can also improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders like bloating and gas.
4. Detoxification Support: The fermentation process increases the levels of glucosinolates in cabbage, compounds known for their detoxifying properties. These compounds help the body eliminate harmful toxins and may have anti-cancer effects.

Bone Broth:

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues for an extended period, extracting valuable nutrients and minerals. Here’s why bone broth has gained popularity for its health benefits:

1. Joint and Bone Health: Bone broth is rich in collagen, a protein that supports joint and bone health. Consuming collagen-rich bone broth may help alleviate joint pain, promote flexibility, and support the health of connective tissues.
2. Gut Healing: The gelatin present in bone broth is beneficial for gut health. It can help repair and seal the gut lining, reducing inflammation and improving conditions such as leaky gut syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome.
3. Nutrient-Rich: Bone broth is packed with essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and trace minerals that are easily absorbed by the body. These nutrients contribute to healthy bones, teeth, and overall well-being.
4. Immune Support: Bone broth contains amino acids, such as glutamine and arginine, which are essential for immune system function. Regular consumption of bone broth may help strengthen the immune system and support overall immune health.
5. Hydration and Satiety: Bone broth is a flavorful beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for soups and stews.

How to Make Czech Sauerkraut Soup Recipe

Place sour cabbage and broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Add bay leaf, caraway seeds, and allspice. 

If your cabbage has been fermenting for a while, you only need to bring it to a boil before moving on with the recipe. If your sauerkraut hasn’t been fermenting for very long (or if using and is still pretty crunchy, you will want to boil it for about 30mins to soften it up. 

Add diced onion to a heated frying pan with oil or lard. Fry for a few minutes, then add the sausage. Fry for a few more minutes. Sprinkle with flour while stirring to create ‘roux’ – a paste-like substance. Finally, sprinkle with sweet paprika. Mix thoroughly and let cool off. 

When cool, add this mixture to your soup pot. Stir thoroughly, and add a dash of salt and pepper to taste. Serve with fresh bread and a dollop of sour cream. 

FAQ

Tips:

Fermented Sauerkraut vs Fresh Cabbage 

To gain the full gut-loving properties of this soup and to savor the full flavor profile, fermented sauerkraut is best. But, if in a pinch, you can use fresh cabbage too. Make sure to grate it finely, and massage it thoroughly with salt. It should start releasing liquid. Strain the liquid and add to your pot of broth. Make sure to adjust the cooking time. 

Potatoes

This soup is delicious with or without potatoes. My original recipe does not include them. However, if you choose to add them in, make sure to boil them separately. They will never soften if you attempt to boil them with the cabbage and broth.