Delicious Pairings: What Goes Good with Sauerkraut?

Who doesn't love experimenting with food? A dollop of cool, creamy curd with spicy rice, a dash of pickle to perk up a simple dal-chawal, or even those daring pineapple slices dusted with chilli powder—you know how to play with flavours! But has your thrill of discovering perfect combinations hit a delicious roadblock since you first tasted sauerkraut?

Though its tangy, slightly sour flavour has instantly piqued your curiosity, you couldn't help but wonder: What goes well with sauerkraut? Which foods will complement its unique taste? This blog is your guide to discovering some delicious sauerkraut pairings. You'll explore different combinations that will help you create culinary magic with this tangy delight. So, get ready for some tasty inspiration!

What is sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut, a staple in many traditional cuisines, is essentially fermented cabbage. It is a product of a natural fermentation method, which transforms humble cabbage into a tangy, probiotic-rich delight. People have practiced this technique of fermenting cabbage for over 2,000 years, originating from China before it became popular worldwide.

Here's a simplified look at how sauerkraut is made:

• Begin with shredding fresh cabbage and mixing it with salt. The salt draws out the moisture from the cabbage, forming a brine.

• Tightly pack this mixture into a container by eliminating air pockets.

• Naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria feast on the sugars present in the cabbage, producing lactic acid. This acid gives sauerkraut its signature tangy flavour and acts as a natural preservative, extending its shelf life.

Do you know what makes sauerkraut so special? Let's break down its nutritional profile and discover why it's more than just a tangy treat!

Nutritional profile of sauerkraut

One of the reasons sauerkraut has maintained its popularity across millennia is its rich nutritional profile. It is an excellent source of probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, that support gut health. Sauerkraut also contains several vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your diet. Here's a quick look at what one cup (142g) of sauerkraut offers:

Sauerkraut is a low-calorie food, rich in fiber, vitamin C, and iron. However, be mindful of the high sodium content from the fermentation process, especially if limiting your salt intake.

Intrigued by its nutrition? Let’s explore all the reasons why sauerkraut should be a staple in your diet!

Benefits of sauerkraut: Why should you eat it often?

Sauerkraut isn't just a tangy treat; it's a powerhouse of nutrition! The dynamic combination of probiotics, fiber, vitamins, and minerals makes it a wonderful addition to your daily diet. Here's why you should consider making sauerkraut a regular part of your meals:

• Digestion: Sauerkraut shines as a digestive aid due to its rich probiotic content and dietary fiber. Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance in your gut microbiome, promoting efficient digestion and reducing issues like bloating and gas. The fiber in sauerkraut also helps with digestion by adding bulk to stool, regulating bowel movements, and preventing constipation.

• Immune system: A well-functioning immune system is linked to gut health. The probiotics in sauerkraut enhance gut flora and better prepare the immune system to fight off infections and illnesses. Vitamin C in sauerkraut also protects your cells from damage and supports a robust immune response.

• Heart health: Sauerkraut's fiber content helps manage cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, sauerkraut is rich in potassium, a mineral vital for regulating blood pressure and ensuring smooth muscle function. Fermentation also introduces vitamin K2, which prevents calcium deposits in arteries, reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues.

• Bone health: Vitamin K2, produced during fermentation, is essential for bone metabolism as it activates osteocalcin, a protein fundamental to bone formation. Sauerkraut also provides magnesium and calcium, which are necessary for maintaining robust bone structure and density. B vitamins further contribute to bone health, ensuring your skeletal system remains strong and resilient.

Do you think fiber is just good for digestion? Watch the video below to understand how incorporating fiber-rich foods into your diet can significantly reduce the risk of premature death.

Now that you know why sauerkraut is so healthy, let's see what mouth-watering dishes you can pair it with!

What to eat with sauerkraut?

There are days when you find yourself standing in front of the refrigerator, spoon in hand, happily munching on sauerkraut straight from the jar. While its sharp, tangy zest is delightful, it can become monotonous when eaten alone. So, what can you serve with sauerkraut? Can you eat it with your favourite sandwich or rice bowl? Let's explore some delicious pairings for sauerkraut:

• Grilled cheese sandwich: Toss some sauerkraut into your grilled cheese sandwich for a tangy twist that cuts through the richness of melted cheese.

• Green salad: Add a handful of sauerkraut to your green salad, replacing some of the standard dressing, for a crunchy, tangy, and probiotic-rich addition.

• Avocado toast: Top your avocado toast with a layer of sauerkraut, adding an unexpected zest to the creamy avocado.

• Mashed potatoes: Stir in a few spoonfuls of sauerkraut into your mashed potatoes, integrating it before serving for a zingy flavour.

• Tuna salad: If you're a fan of seafood, consider adding sauerkraut to tuna salad. Its crunch complements the smooth texture of tuna, offering a refreshing variant of the traditional dish.

• Coleslaw: Enhance your coleslaw by adding sauerkraut, supplementing the cabbage for an extra layer of tang and texture.

• Pizza: Sprinkle sauerkraut on your pizza as a topping, either before or after baking, for a unique and flavourful addition.

• Burgers: Make your burger stand out by swapping out the pickles for sauerkraut. The acidity cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese, adding complexity to your favourite sandwich.

• Sausages: Sausage accompanied by sauerkraut is a match made in culinary heaven, a harmony of rich, meaty flavours enhanced by sauerkraut tang.

• Soup: Stir sauerkraut into your soup just before serving, instead of adding lemon juice, for added depth of flavour and a probiotic boost.

• Smoothies: Blend your fruits or vegetables with a spoonful of sauerkraut. Smoothies can comfortably mask the sharp edge of sauerkraut, boosting gut health with its probiotic benefits.

• Stuffed cabbage: Naturally, sauerkraut is a perfect companion to stuffed cabbage, either as a filling ingredient or a side.

• Rice bowls: Add a spoonful of sauerkraut to your rice bowls, topping the rice for a tangy and refreshing addition.

• Pasta: Toss sauerkraut with your cooked pasta, along with olive oil and herbs, for a simple yet flavourful dish.

• Potato salad: Enhance your potato salad by mixing in sauerkraut, replacing some of the mayonnaise or dressing for a tangy twist.

• Eggs: For egg lovers, adding sauerkraut to omelets or scrambled eggs lends a zesty contrast to the richness of the yolks.

• Chickpea salad: Mix sauerkraut into your chickpea salad, replacing some of the dressing for added tang and texture.

• Tacos: Add sauerkraut to your tacos as a topping, along with your other fillings, for a tangy and crunchy addition.

• Salsa: Mix a small amount of finely chopped sauerkraut into your salsa, stirring it in for an extra zip.

• Meatballs: Serve sauerkraut alongside your meatballs, either as a side or mixed into the sauce, for a tangy counterpoint to the savoury meat.

• Wraps: Add sauerkraut to your wraps as a filling, along with your other ingredients, for a tangy and crunchy addition.

• Chocolate cake: As an experimental move, try adding a bit of sauerkraut to your cake batter. Drain the brine and finely chop sauerkraut for a salty, tangy twist.

• Dumplings: Serve sauerkraut alongside your dumplings, either as a side or as a dipping sauce, for a traditional pairing.

• Baked potatoes: Top your baked potatoes with sauerkraut, along with your other toppings, for a tangy and flavourful addition.

• Hot dogs: Add sauerkraut to your hot dogs as a topping, along with mustard, for a classic pairing that balances the richness.

• Spring rolls: Add sauerkraut to your spring roll fillings, along with other vegetables, for a tangy and crunchy filling.

• Cheese dip: Mix finely chopped sauerkraut into your cheese dip for a tangy addition.

• Grilled salmon: Try sauerkraut alongside your grilled salmon. The acidity of sauerkraut complements the richness of salmon.

• Roasted pork/chicken: Serve sauerkraut alongside your roasted pork or chicken for a flavourful side dish.

• Curry/Side dish: Add a spoonful of sauerkraut to your Indian curries or side dishes. The cooling tang of sauerkraut can calm the spices, creating a harmonious palate.

• Potato fries/Wedges: Top your fries or wedges with sauerkraut, or create a sauerkraut-based sauce, offering an alternative to traditional ketchup.

But before you start cooking up a storm, make sure you follow these tips to get the most out of your sauerkraut!

Tips for cooking with sauerkraut

In the excitement of pairing sauerkraut with your favourite dishes, it's easy to forget to prepare it properly. You do not want to lose those precious probiotics and nutritional benefits, right? Here are some tips to ensure you pair well and keep your sauerkraut at its best:

• Avoid overheating sauerkraut to preserve probiotics: One crucial aspect of cooking with sauerkraut is avoiding overheating it. When sauerkraut is exposed to temperatures above 115°F (46°C), the beneficial probiotics begin to die.

• Add sauerkraut at the end of cooking: If you enjoy soups, stews, or stir-fries with sauerkraut, remember to stir it in during the final steps of preparation or just before serving. This way, you get the flavour, crunch, and benefits without destroying the probiotics.

• Pair with complementary flavours: Sauerkraut's tanginess complements a range of flavours. Pair it with smoky meats like bacon or ham, or incorporate it into roasted potato dishes to add a vibrant contrast. For those with a sweet tooth, sauerkraut even pairs exceptionally well with apples, marrying sweet and sour in delightful harmony.

• Use the brine: Don't pour that sauerkraut brine down the sink! It's a hidden gem in your cooking arsenal, filled with probiotics and flavour. You can use it to bring zing to your salad dressings, marinate your meats, or give soups and stews an extra flavour kick.

• Combine with other fermented foods: Enhance the probiotic power of your meals by combining sauerkraut with other fermented foods. Use sauerkraut with yoghurt in raita for a cooling, probiotic-rich side, or add sauerkraut to a bowl of kimchi fried rice for a double dose of fermented goodness.

From indulgent cheese pairings to spicy tacos, sauerkraut indeed proves to be much more than just a homely side dish. So, no more wondering what goes well with sauerkraut. Next time you reach for that jar, consider these diverse options and elevate your meals with the delightful crunch and tang of sauerkraut.

Be adventurous and ready to experiment! Add this fermented cabbage to your local dishes, discover new global flavours, or create your signature pairing. Countless possibilities are waiting to be explored.

If you want to jump straight to sauerkraut pairings without the hassle of making it from scratch, The Good Bugs offers a convenient solution. Our artisanal sauerkraut is made with handpicked ingredients, oil-free, and boasts gut-friendly benefits. Visit our website to grab your jar and start experimenting with pairings right away!

References

https://culturesforhealth.com/blogs/learn/what-to-eat-with-sauerkraut-33-ways-to-eat-sauerkraut

https://wildbrine.com/20-uses-sauerkraut/

https://nutriciously.com/serve-with-sauerkraut/

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/recipes-with-sauerkraut

https://www.olivemypickle.com/blogs/news/sauerkraut-on-hot-dogs