Cooking sauerkraut can be a simple and flavorful process, and there are several methods to achieve delicious results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you cook sauerkraut from a bag or jar, along with some tips for adding extra flavor.
Method 1: Sautéing with Bacon and Onions
This method adds a rich, savory flavor to your sauerkraut.
Ingredients
1 pound sauerkraut from a bag, drained and rinsed
1 cup diced onion (approximately ½ onion)
2 tablespoons rendered bacon fat or duck fat
1 pinch kosher salt
Optional: chopped bacon, sour cream for serving[1].
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion and chop any bacon if using.
Heat the Fat: In a large sauté pan, heat the bacon or duck fat at the highest setting until it shimmers.
Sear the Onions: Carefully add the onions and a pinch of salt. Stir and allow to brown, then stir occasionally for another 5 minutes.
Add Bacon: Add in the chopped bacon and mix well.
Add Sauerkraut: Add the sauerkraut and mix well. Cook for 5 minutes on high, then reduce the heat to medium.
Finish Cooking: Continue cooking until the sauerkraut is golden brown and smells delicious.
Serve: Serve hot, optionally with a dollop of sour cream.
Method 2: Simmering with Stock and Spices
This method is great for a more tender and flavorful sauerkraut.
Ingredients
1 bag of sauerkraut, drained and liquid pressed out
1 finely minced onion and garlic
Vegetable oil
Juniper berries, caraway seeds, bay leaves, yellow curry powder, salt, and pepper
Beef or vegetable stock
Optional: cornstarch for thickening[2].
Instructions
Prepare the Sauerkraut: Drain the sauerkraut and press out as much liquid as possible.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat vegetable oil on medium heat in a pot and roast the onions until golden. Add garlic and roast for a couple of seconds, stirring frequently.
Add Sauerkraut and Spices: Add the sauerkraut, juniper berries, caraway seeds, bay leaves, yellow curry powder, salt, and pepper. Roast for about a minute, stirring frequently.
Simmer: Pour in the beef or vegetable stock, cover with a lid, and cook on low heat for about 45 minutes until soft. After 30 minutes, sift in one tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken if needed.
Serve: Serve with roasted meat, sausages, or starchy vegetables.
Method 3: Simple Skillet Cooking
This is a quick and easy method to heat up sauerkraut.
Ingredients
1 bag of sauerkraut (include sauerkraut juice)
Optional: spices or seasonings (e.g., cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cumin, parsley, caraway seeds, thyme, or paprika)[5].
Instructions
Transfer to Skillet: Empty the contents of the bag of sauerkraut into a large skillet, including the sauerkraut juice.
Add Seasonings: Add any desired spices or seasonings.
Cook: Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Serve: Serve immediately.
Method 4: Microwave Cooking
For a quick and convenient option, you can cook sauerkraut in the microwave.
Ingredients
1 bag of sauerkraut
A splash of water
A drop of oil
Optional: spices or seasonings[3].
Instructions
Prepare the Sauerkraut: Drain and chop the sauerkraut roughly.
Add Water and Oil: Add a splash of water and a drop of oil, then stir.
Microwave: Microwave for about 5 minutes or until heated through.
Serve: Serve immediately.
Important Facts About Cooking Sauerkraut
Drain and Rinse: Always drain and rinse the sauerkraut before cooking to remove excess liquid and salt[1][2][3].
Moisture Control: Ensure there is enough moisture in the pan to prevent the sauerkraut from sticking and burning. You can add water or stock as needed[2][3].
Heat Levels: Cooking sauerkraut can be done over high heat for browning or on low heat for simmering, depending on the desired texture and flavor[1][2][5].
Spices and Seasonings: Adding spices, herbs, and other seasonings can significantly enhance the flavor of sauerkraut. Common additions include onions, garlic, caraway seeds, and various spices[1][2][5].
Cooking Time: Cooking times vary from 5-15 minutes for skillet methods to 45 minutes for simmering methods. Adjust cooking time based on how soft you want the sauerkraut to be[2][3][5].
Serving Options: Sauerkraut can be served hot as a side dish, with roasted meats, sausages, or as a nourishing snack on its own[2][5].
By following these methods and tips, you can easily prepare delicious and flavorful sauerkraut to complement a variety of meals.
