The BEST Slovak Sauerkraut Soup for a Perfect Christmas

smoked sausage

🥗Healthier: chicken sausage

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken sausage reduces fat while pork shoulder is more affordable.

sauerkraut

🥗Healthier: homemade sauerkraut

💰Cheaper: cabbage + vinegar

Homemade is fresher and cheaper than store-bought.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon cubes

Homemade broth is richer in flavor.

black pepper

🥗Healthier: white pepper

💰Cheaper: black pepper

White pepper offers a similar flavor profile.

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

Incorporate sauerkraut and stir to combine with the sausage.

Pour in vegetable broth and add water to cover the ingredients.

Add diced potatoes, caraway seeds, bay leaves, paprika, and black pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Add dried mushrooms and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: