Zeláčka (Sauerkraut Soup)
A hearty and flavorful soup made with sauerkraut, smoked meat, and root vegetables. It's a warming and comforting dish, often enjoyed during colder months.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Sauerkraut(rinsed and roughly chopped)
- 200 g Smoked pork or beef(diced)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 1 medium Parsnip(diced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(diced)
- 1.5 liters Beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Caraway seeds
- 1 tsp Marjoram(dried)
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil or lard
- for serving Sour cream
- for garnish Fresh dill or parsley
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil or lard over medium heat. Add the diced smoked meat and cook until lightly browned.
- 2
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic, caraway seeds, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the rinsed and chopped sauerkraut to the pot and stir well.
- 5
Pour in the beef or vegetable broth. Add the diced carrots, parsnip, potatoes, marjoram, and bay leaf.
💡 Tip: Ensure vegetables are submerged - 6
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
- 7
Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully, as sauerkraut and smoked meat can be salty - 8
Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill or parsley.
💡 Tip: A slice of dark rye bread is a perfect accompaniment
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use a good quality smoked meat.
- ✓Adjust the amount of sauerkraut to your preference for sourness.
- ✓This soup often tastes even better the next day.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of vinegar for extra tanginess.
- Include other root vegetables like celery root.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked meat and use vegetable broth, adding smoked paprika for depth.