Spicy Sauerkraut Recipe

Raw, cultured vegetables are one of the healthiest foods available to mankind and sauerkraut is probably one of the most popular ones.


Sauerkraut is often associated with the German culture, but the Germans were not the ones who invented it. Written records dating back more than two thousand years show that sauerkraut was consumed in China by the laborers who constructed the Great Wall of China. Shredded cabbage was naturally fermented in rice wine. How sauerkraut arrived in Europe is not known, but scholars suspect that it was brought by the Mongol hordes in the 13th century.

Naturally fermented sauerkraut is a perfect living food. It combines the health benefits of cabbage with the health benefits of probiotics. 

Sauerkraut is rich in the immune system supporting vitamin C and you should consider adding it to your winter diet. The beneficial bacteria in sauerkraut not only supports healthy digestion, but may also prevent cancer of the colon.


Ingredients:
  • 1 medium large white cabbage, shredded (save two outer leaves)
  • 1 large carrot shredded
  • 2 Tbsp hot chili flakes
  • 2 Tbsp fine Celtic sea salt 


Method:
  • Place shredded cabbage in a large bowl. Add salt and massage cabbage with clean hands until cabbage is soft and you see juice in a bowl.
  • Add shredded cabbage and chili flakes. Mix well.
  • Transfer the massaged cabbage into a jar. Work in layers. Tightly press each layer of cabbage to remove excess air. Fill the jar with cabbage leaving about 1 inch space between the cabbage and the lid. Cover the packed shredded cabbage with two folded outer cabbage leaves and press them down. 
  • Close the jar and place it for 3-4 days in room temperature.
  • Carefully open the jar and taste your sauerkraut. If you are satisfied with the acidity you can place the jar in the fridge to slow down the fermentation. If you prefer your sauerkraut to be more acidic, allow the fermentation to go on for another day or two. Enjoy in good company as often as you can!

In radiant health - passionately raw - Dominique


Dominique Allmon©2014

Also of interest: Purple Sauerkraut


*Information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.