Family Chow Hall

Yummy uses for Sauerkraut

July 31st, 2006

My wonderful husband, who loves sauerkraut, was nice enough to actually put some down himself this year. I’ve done it in the past, but not for several years now, since it is something of a pain.

But to him, buying kraut in the store is just not the same and he’s been wanting some homemade sauerkraut for a long time. So, four weeks ago, on his long Fourth-of-July weekend, we bought 10 cabbages and he shredded it, salted it down, and set it in a crock on my countertop to ferment. Two days ago, it was done and I canned it, so now we have 18 pints of sauerkraut at our disposal. Correction — we ate one and are giving a couple away — make that 15 pints. Oh, how quickly it can disappear!

(If anyone actually wants to try this, leave a comment and I will post or send you the directions.)

The wonderful thing about sauerkraut is that it is VERY low in calories but HIGH in flavor! A whole cup of sauerkraut has a whopping 27 calories. However, it’s pretty high in sodium, so if you’re watching that, sauerkraut is not the best thing for you.

In case you like sauerkraut and are not sure what to do with it, I will offer some suggestions:

1. Put it on grilled hot dogs.
2. Top your grilled bratwurst or other sausage with it.
3. Make a slow-cooked pork roast and put the sauerkraut right in there with it.
4. Serve with mashed potatoes.
5. Buy frozen pierogies and serve them with sauerkraut and sausage.
6. Buy some corned beef and swiss cheese and make Reuben sandwiches.
7. Make a ‘pizza’ with kraut, sausage, and swiss cheese.
8. Ever hear of sauerkraut balls?
9. Fry up some hashbrowns, add sauerkraut and maybe sausage or ham.
10. Use it as a tangy, crunchy topping for any sandwich.

Enjoy!

Entry Filed under: Condiments, Old-Fashioned Foods, Side Dishes, Supper, pork, sandwiches