Certainly! Making sauerkraut soup in a slow cooker is a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy this hearty dish. Here’s a recipe for Slow Cooker Sauerkraut Soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Slice the smoked sausage or kielbasa, chop the onion, mince the garlic, drain and rinse the sauerkraut, peel and dice the potatoes, slice the carrots, and dice the apple.
- Sauté Sausage and Onions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced sausage until browned. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are softened.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the sautéed sausage, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker. Add drained sauerkraut, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, diced apple, chicken or vegetable broth, caraway seeds (if using), bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
- Slow Cook:
- Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve:
- Ladle the sauerkraut soup into bowls. If desired, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chopped dill.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the slow cooker sauerkraut soup hot and enjoy the delicious flavors!
This soup is a comforting and hearty dish with the tangy flavor of sauerkraut complemented by the smokiness of the sausage. It’s perfect for colder days and can be a complete meal on its own.
