Ukrainian Sauerkraut Soup (Authentic Kapusniak Recipe) (2024)

If you need a soup that's hearty, comforting, and packed full of flavor, Ukrainian sauerkraut soup ticks all these boxes! The soup offers a wonderful balance of flavors and a variety of textures that make each spoonful absolutely delicious.

Known as Kapusniak in Ukraine, this traditional dish is perfect for home cooking. It is nourishing, flavorful, and easy to prepare, using common ingredients. The process of simmering allows the flavors to come together beautifully, creating a satisfying and delicious dish.

The homemade sauerkraut and fresh dill, which gives it a unique twist. These ingredients not only amp up the flavor but also take the soup to a whole new level of yum. So, if you're on the lookout for a dish that's easy, comforting, and bursting with goodness, give this Ukrainian sauerkraut soup a shot!

Want to learn how to make this Ukrainian sauerkraut soup recipe? Then keep on reading.

What is Ukrainian Sauerkraut Soup?

Ukrainian sauerkraut soup, or Kapusniak, is a rich and flavorful dish deeply rooted in both taste and tradition. This hearty recipe brings together wholesome ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, bay leaves, and, of course, sauerkraut. The outcome? A robust and tangy soup that's a perfect pick-me-up on a cold day.

Cooking this soup is incredibly easy and gives great results. Not only does it fill your kitchen with a tempting aroma, but it also treats your palate to a comforting yet exotic flavor.

The soup's complexity comes alive with the sauerkraut's tanginess, balanced by the savory bacon and vegetables. And with a side of homemade French bread, this becomes a meal worth savoring.

What Makes This Ukrainian Sauerkraut Soup Recipe Special?

• Easy to make: This Ukrainian sauerkraut soup recipe is straightforward and simple. With ingredients like potatoes, carrots, bay leaves, and bacon, the prep time is minimal. The use of a large pot or Dutch oven makes it a one-pot wonder, and the steps are as simple as simmering and stirring.
• Family-favorite: This soup is a crowd-pleaser, loved by both adults and kids alike. The tender potatoes and carrots, crispy bacon, and the unique flavor of sauerkraut make it a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.
• Versatile: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add in extras like kielbasa or Polish sausage, or even a dollop of sour cream for added richness. It is also a great way to use up leftovers, like chicken or beef.
• Delicious: This Ukrainian sauerkraut soup is simply delicious. The combination of homemade sauerkraut, garlic, onion, and fresh dill creates a flavor profile that's both unique and satisfying. The end result is a soup that's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any time of the year.

What You Need to Make Ukrainian Sauerkraut Soup at Home

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this Ukrainian sauerkraut soup recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

• Potatoes: These are the hearty backbone of the soup, adding a comforting, starchy texture that makes the dish filling and satisfying.
• Carrot: This bright vegetable adds a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color to the soup. It’s also packed with nutrients, making this dish as healthy as it is delicious.
• Bay Leaves: These are used to infuse the soup with a subtle, earthy flavor that compliments the other ingredients beautifully.
• Salt: A crucial ingredient in any soup, it enhances all the other flavors in the dish. You can adjust it to your taste.
• Water: The main liquid component of the soup, it combines with the other ingredients to create a flavorful broth.
• Chicken Bouillon Paste: This ingredient adds depth and a robust, savory flavor to the soup. It is an easy way to boost the taste of the broth.
• Sauerkraut: The star of the show, sauerkraut adds a tangy, sour note that is characteristic of this Ukrainian soup. It also provides a delightful crunch.
• Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that gives the soup a depth of taste. It is also responsible for the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen as the soup simmers (see the quick way to broil bake in the oven).
• Onion: This humble ingredient is a flavor powerhouse, adding a savory depth and sweetness to the soup that balances out the tanginess of the sauerkraut.
• Garlic: Just a clove adds a punch of flavor that infuses the entire pot of soup, giving it a savory, aromatic edge.
• Fresh Dill: Fresh dill brings a bright, herbaceous note to the soup, and its fresh flavor contrasts beautifully with the hearty ingredients. Plus, it adds a pop of green color that makes the soup look as good as it tastes.

How to Make Ukrainian Sauerkraut Soup (Step-by-Step)

Making this incredible Ukrainian sauerkraut soup is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

Preparing the Vegetables

To start off, you'll need to prepare your vegetables. Begin with your potatoes and carrots. Peel them thoroughly to remove any dirt or blemishes. After peeling, rinse the potatoes and carrot under cold water to remove any leftover dirt or peel.

Once they're clean, cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. This will make sure they cook evenly and are easy to eat in the soup. For the carrot, simply slice it into thin rounds. Once your vegetables are prepared, set them aside until they're needed in the recipe.

Making Ukrainian Sauerkraut Soup

For the next step, you'll need a large cast iron pot or Dutch oven. Place the pot on your stovetop and add potatoes, carrots, water, bay leaves, and sea salt. Turn your stovetop onto high heat and bring the water to a boil.

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let this mixture simmer for about ten minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to start becoming tender.

Now it is time to add your homemade sauerkraut and chicken bouillon. Make sure to rinse it well before adding it to the pot. Allow the soup to continue simmering for an additional fifteen minutes on low to medium heat. This will allow the tangy flavor of the sauerkraut to infuse into the soup.

While the soup is simmering, you can prepare the bacon and onion mixture. Start by cutting your bacon into thin strips. Sauté bacon in a pan until they're crispy. Then, add your chopped onion and garlic to the pan.Continue to sauté this mixture until the onion and garlic are golden brown.

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Once it is ready, add this mixture to your simmering soup. Let the soup continue to simmer for a final five minutes or so. This will allow the flavors of the bacon, onion, and garlic to permeate the soup.

Finally, remove your soup from the heat. Add freshly chopped dill and let the soup cool down to a warm temperature before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Ukrainian sauerkraut soup with a side of homemade French bread.

Tips for Making the Best Ukrainian Sauerkraut Soup Ever

• Choose the right pot: For this recipe, a large cast iron pot or Dutch oven works best. It provides even heat distribution, which is essential for your soup to simmer properly and for the flavors to meld together.
• Prep your vegetables: The potatoes and carrots should be peeled and rinsed before cubing and slicing. This not only guarantees cleanliness but also allows for even cooking and a smoother texture in your soup.
• Control your heat: To achieve the perfect simmer, start by bringing your water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low/medium. This will keep your ingredients from overcooking and help maintain a steady simmer.
• Sauté your bacon and onion: Sautéing your bacon until crisp and browning the onion and garlic before adding them to the soup will add a depth of flavor. The rendered bacon fat will also add a savory richness to your soup.
• Don't forget the dill: Adding freshly chopped dill at the end of cooking will give your soup a burst of fresh flavor. It is a simple step that can make a big difference in taste.
• Let it cool: Allow your soup to cool to a warm temperature before serving. This will enhance the flavors and make it more enjoyable to eat.
• Enjoy with bread: This Ukrainian sauerkraut soup pairs excellently with homemade French bread. The bread can be used to scoop up every last bit of this delicious soup, guaranteeing that no flavor is left behind.

Serving Suggestions for Ukrainian Sauerkraut Soup

• For a hearty lunch, enjoy your Ukrainian sauerkraut soup with a slice of fresh homemade French bread. This combination not only provides a satisfying crunch but also helps to soak up every bit of that delicious broth.
• Looking for a meaty twist? Add a few slices of cooked kielbasa or Polish sausage to your bowl of soup. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the soup even more filling.
• If you prefer a bit more heat in your meals, sprinkle a pinch of freshly ground pepper over your soup before diving in. The spiciness of the pepper beautifully compliments the tangy taste of the sauerkraut.
• For a refreshing side, consider serving your sauerkraut soup with a light cucumber and dill salad. The freshness of the salad provides a nice contrast to the rich, hearty flavors of the soup.
• Why not turn your soup into a complete meal? Serve it alongside a juicy, grilled beef steak for a satisfying dinner. The robust flavors of the beef pair wonderfully with the tangy, savory soup.
• For a creamy twist, add a dollop of sour cream to your bowl of soup just before serving. This adds a touch of richness and a slightly tangy flavor that works wonderfully with the sauerkraut.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Ukrainian Sauerkraut Soup

This delicious Ukrainian sauerkraut soup recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

• Add Beef: If you're a fan of hearty soups, try adding some beef to this recipe. Simply replace the bacon with chunks of beef and let it simmer until tender. Not only will this enhance the flavor, but it will also make your sauerkraut soup more filling.
• Pork and Kielbasa: For a Polish twist, try adding some kielbasa. Replace the bacon with Polish sausage and add it to the pot together with the onion and garlic. This will give your soup a deliciously smoky flavor that works perfectly with the sauerkraut.
• Add Vegetables: If you're vegetarian, you can still enjoy this delicious soup. Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon. You can also add more vegetables like tomatoes and bell peppers to make up for the meat.
• Thicken it with Millet: If you prefer your soups thicker, try adding some millet. Simply add a handful of millet to the pot and let it simmer until tender. Not only will this make your soup heartier, it will also add a nice, nutty flavor.
• Tomato Twist: For a tangy twist, try adding some tomato paste to your sauerkraut soup. Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the pot along with the sauerkraut and let it simmer. This will give your soup a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sour sauerkraut.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftover Ukrainian Sauerkraut Soup

After savoring a hearty bowl of Ukrainian sauerkraut soup, you might find yourself with some leftovers. Don't worry, this flavorful soup is just as delicious reheated!

Transfer the leftover soup into airtight containers. Keep in mind that the soup's flavor will continue to develop as it sits. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days.

When you're ready to enjoy the soup again, pour it into a pot and reheat on medium heat until it is hot. Stir occasionally to guarantee even heating. You can add a bit of chicken stock or water if the soup has thickened too much. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

I don’t recommend freezing this delicious soup since the texture of the carrots and other ingredients can change a lot when thawed. It’s best to store it in the fridge or to make it fresh.

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