Polish Sauerkraut Soup, also known as Kapusniak, is a comforting and satisfying dish that perfectly captures the flavors of traditional Polish cuisine. Rich in savory vegetables, tangy sauerkraut, and aromatic spices, this soup is the ideal choice for a cozy meal, especially during the colder months. With its hearty combination of cabbage, potatoes, and subtle seasoning, this Polish soup is sure to warm both the body and soul.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, finely sliced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 medium parsnip, diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 6-8 juniper berries
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 400 g (1 lb) sauerkraut, drained
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 500 g)
- 1.5 liters (6 cups) vegetable stock
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the sunflower oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Start by sautéing the diced onion for 2-3 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
Next, add the leek, carrot, and parsnip to the pot. Continue to cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened. This step helps to build the base of the soup with a gentle sweetness from the caramelized onions and root vegetables.
2. Add Garlic and Spices
Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the finely chopped garlic, caraway seeds, dried marjoram, allspice, juniper berries, and bay leaves. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the spices to release their aromatic flavors. The combination of these spices—caraway and juniper, in particular—gives the soup its characteristic earthy and slightly tangy flavor profile.
3. Incorporate Sauerkraut
Add the sauerkraut to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring the ingredients together. Sauerkraut brings a signature tanginess to this soup, and cooking it briefly helps to meld the flavors.
4. Add Stock and Simmer
Pour in one ladle of vegetable stock to deglaze the pot, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom. Then, add the rest of the vegetable stock (about 6 cups) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to start combining.
5. Add Potatoes and Continue Cooking
Now, add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer on low heat for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
6. Season and Serve
Once the potatoes are tender, season the soup with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Be sure to remove the bay leaves and juniper berries before serving, as they are not meant to be eaten.
Serve the Polish Sauerkraut Soup hot, accompanied by slices of rye bread or your favorite crusty bread. The bread is perfect for dipping into the hearty soup, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Bread: Serve this soup alongside some hearty rye bread or a crusty baguette for a satisfying meal.
- Garnish: A dollop of sour cream on top can add a creamy, tangy element to the soup that complements the sourness of the sauerkraut.
- For a Hearty Meal: Enjoy this soup on its own or pair it with a light salad for a complete, fulfilling meal.
Tips for the Best Polish Sauerkraut Soup:
- Use Fresh Sauerkraut: While you can use canned sauerkraut, fresh sauerkraut from a deli or farmer’s market will yield the best results in terms of flavor and texture.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Turnips or parsnips can be swapped for other root vegetables, and additional vegetables like celery or leeks can enhance the broth.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop and meld together. Make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.
- Smoked Sausage Option: If you’d like to add some protein to your soup, consider adding slices of smoked sausage or kielbasa for a more traditional touch. Simply add it in step 4 and cook with the rest of the ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
This Polish Sauerkraut Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Its depth of flavor, from the sourness of the sauerkraut to the aromatic spices, makes it a perfect dish for any time of year. It’s especially wonderful during colder months when you crave something warm and hearty. The blend of fresh vegetables, potatoes, and sauerkraut provides both nutrients and flavor, making it a satisfying, one-pot meal that everyone will love.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy this heartwarming, traditional Polish dish!