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Red Cabbage Sauerkraut Recipe

4.7 from 124 reviews

This homemade Red Cabbage Sauerkraut recipe offers a simple and natural way to ferment red cabbage to create a tangy, crunchy, and probiotic-rich side dish. Using just red cabbage, sea salt, and water, this traditional fermentation technique enhances flavor and preserves the cabbage with beneficial bacteria for gut health.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1/2 large head red cabbage, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • About 3 cups filtered water

Instructions

  1. Sanitize jar: Clean and sanitize a glass mason jar (or multiple jars, depending on the size of your cabbage) thoroughly to prevent unwanted bacteria from interfering with the fermentation process.
  2. Slice cabbage: Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut it in half, remove the core, then thinly slice into even ribbons for consistent fermentation.
  3. Massage cabbage: Place the sliced cabbage in a clean bowl and sprinkle the sea salt over it. Massage with your hands for 2-3 minutes until the cabbage softens and releases its natural juices, which help start fermentation.
  4. Pack jar: Tightly pack the salted and massaged cabbage into your sanitized jar. Pour filtered water over the cabbage until it is fully submerged, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top to allow gases to escape.
  5. Ferment: Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel, securing it with a rubber band. Place the jar on the countertop away from direct sunlight and let it ferment for 7 days. Check daily to ensure the cabbage remains submerged under the water to prevent spoilage. When the desired tang is reached, seal the jar with a lid and store it in the refrigerator.
  6. Serve: Enjoy your homemade red cabbage sauerkraut as a healthy probiotic side dish or add it to sandwiches, salads, and other favorite recipes.

Notes

  • Ensure the cabbage remains submerged under the brine during fermentation to prevent mold growth.
  • Use filtered or non-chlorinated water to ensure good fermentation results.
  • Fermentation time can be extended beyond 7 days for a stronger, tangier flavor.
  • Keep fermentation jar away from direct sunlight and in a consistent room temperature around 65-75°F (18-24°C).

Keywords: red cabbage sauerkraut, fermented cabbage, probiotic side dish, homemade sauerkraut, fermented vegetables