An easy way to make homemade sauerkraut that’s not only delicious but a powerful and “magic medicine” for improved gut health due to the healing benefits of “real food” probiotics and fermentation!
One of my biggest life goals, realized! Homemade sauerkraut! This is pretty legendary and I can’t believe I finally nailed it! I love my sauerkraut and have always wanted to make my own. I eat so much of it, it only seemed “fair”. Ever since I started eating sauerkraut and fermented foods. 1.5 to 2 years ago, I have seen major improvements with my temperamental gut health. Not only do I have Celiac Disease and other food allergies, but severe reflux, IBS, and many other “unspecified” digestive disorders that rule my life. Any little thing I can do to keep my tummy as happy as possible, I “try” to do. I’ve always taken a probiotic supplement for as long as I can remember, but getting probiotics from food is even better and more reliable.
If something as easy and delicious as eating sauerkraut, every day, can help, I’m ALL in! Fermentation not only preserves foods but increases nutritional content, balances stomach acid, adds probiotics (good bacteria for you microbiome), and makes them easier to digest. The probiotics (active cultures) that develop during fermentation from the lactic acid improve the immune system and entire digestive tract. Essentially helping to heal the gut from common ailments or disorders. That’s why I call sauerkraut my “magic medicine”. It reduces inflammation and pain in the gut from all those disorders too. “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”? Well, sauerkraut will help with that “irritation”. The destroyed villa in the small intestines of Celiac patients? Fermented foods can start to soothe and heal that. Those are just a few examples, but the benefits of fermented foods and the probiotics they provide to the gut can’t be ignored.
Sauerkraut isn’t the only “magic medicine” though. The very many delicious options include:
Any Pickled Vegetable
Kimchi
Kombucha
Yogurt (use dairy-free like coconut or almond)
Kefir (use dairy-free like coconut or even water kefir)
Miso (use brown rice or chickpea for soy-free)
Natto (sadly no soy-free option)
Tempeh (use hemp tempeh for soy-free)
Lassi (Indian yogurt drink, use dairy-free version)
Other fermented condiments like salsa, chutney, etc.)
(Bubbies is my go-to favorite brand for fermented store-bought products!)
You all know I DO NOT cook with salt. You will never see a recipe with “salt” listed in the ingredients. So you may have imagined that when I started eating these salty fermented foods, my taste buds took a bit of adjusting, but they adjusted pretty fast! Another thing you must keep in mind is that if you’re new to eating fermented foods like sauerkraut specifically, you’ll want to start slowly. A few tablespoons a day and work from there. I make sure I eat about 2 servings of fermented foods a day.
Now, the secret to easy at-home fermentation, pickling, even kombucha brewing? The Mortier Pilon fermentation crocks! The crock is specialized designed for perfect anaerobic fermenting; just the right airflow! Fermentation is all about experimenting, so my first batch (my first time ever!) was a sad fail. Not enough cabbage, not enough salt, and it was the week we had no AC in the house during a heatwave. I was so determined to get this right, though! I bought a ton of cabbage this time (you need so much more than you think), used way more salt, filtered water, made sure everything was completely sanitized and crossed my fingers! Making sauerkraut is a workout, by the way! You have to really get down and dirty with your hands to massage the salt into the cabbage to release the natural liquids. (It’s worth it, don’t worry!) Now let’s get those crocks ready and make some homemade sauerkraut!
Homemade Sauerkraut
Homemade Sauerkraut
An easy way to make homemade sauerkraut that’s not only delicious but a powerful and “magic medicine” for improved gut health due to the healing benefits of “real food” probiotics and fermentation! Gluten-Free, Vegan, Paleo, Allergy-Free.
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 Medium-Sized Green Cabbages (about 6 cups each)
- 1 Small Red Cabbage (about 3 cups)
- 5–6 TB Natural Sea Salt
- Filtered Water (as necessary)
- Fermentation Crock
Instructions
- Make sure you have a sanitized work area, bowls, the crock, and hands!
- Rinse the cabbage and remove outer leaves. Chop the cabbage as thinly as you can (mine was not very thin, I sliced it very roughly. It’s all up to you)
- In a very large bowl (or in batches), begin to massage the cabbage and salt. This may take awhile, but you want the waters to start to release from the cabbage and for the cabbage to get soft and losses its “volume”.
- As you get this going, place the massaged cabbage into the fermentation crock and pack it down as best you can.
- Once you pack in all the cabbage, place the weight on top of the cabbage, cover with the lids, and let it sit for 24 hours. You can continue to push it down and massage it during the time every so often.
- After 24 hours, if needed, add some filtered water mixed with more salt if the cabbage is not fully submerged by liquid. From there, let it sit for at least 7-10 days.*
- Once the sauerkraut has reached the desired degree of fermentation, you can place the sauerkraut in sanitized mason jars and store in the fridge for months!
Notes
*Trouble Shooting:
1. If during the 7 days the crock begins to “overflow”, don’t worry! That’s what should be happening as the gasses build up and fermentation takes place. This will go down by itself. The Mortier Pilon crock has a ridge that catches most of this liquid at the top.
2. If you see mold start to grow, STOP! You did something wrong and was most likely due to contamination or not enough water/salt to keep the cabbage covered.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 Cup
This is where things get really exciting for YOU! Mortier Pilon is kind enough to offer my readers a chance to win their own fermentation crock! If you’ve always wanted to get into home-fermentation and have been a bit timid (like I was), the crock basically “holds your hand” through the process so you’re more likely to have success! The giveaway will run for 2 weeks (until 9/21) and I’ll contact the winner directly! (Open worldwide!)
Mortier Pilon Fermentation Crock
So tell me:
+ What would you make in the fermentation crock first?
+ Have you ever made your own sauerkraut?
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Megan says
I really need to jump on the fermented food train for my sons’ gut health.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes, you do!
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
I love sauerkraut! Yum, so good for you 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is!
Starr says
I love sauerkraut! You make it sound so simple to make, I’ll have to give it a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It really is so simple!
Susannah says
Great information for beginning fermenters, Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Marisa says
I never knew that saurkraut was this beneficial. I use to eat it all the time. I’d love to try & make my own. How awesome
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Keep including it in your diet!
Matt Steady says
I didn’t know you could make your own! Definitely going to give this a go 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, sure.
Elle @ Only Taste Matters says
I’ve been meaning to try more fermented foods. This looks like a great start!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope you start eating them!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy says
I’ve been wanting to add sauerkraut to my diet, but haven’t yet! This tutorial is great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You should!
Melissa Ruddy says
What a creative recipe. I have heard that the probiotic in fermented foods are god for your tummy. Have to try.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
They are the BEST for our gut health!
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands says
I cannot wait to make this! I thought I commented on it but I don’t see it, maybe I just pinned it. Either way can’t wait to try it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Awesome!! I know you’ll love homemade kraut!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I’ve never tried making my own but I do love it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well, you should!
Debbie Byler says
I would love to learn to make sauerkraut! I always grow great cabbage and make lots of other things with it, but haven’t attempted sauerkraut yet. Thanks for the chance to win!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Perfect! I know with all the summer growing, many of us have an abundance of produce to preserve!
Jen says
I have been wanting to make my own sauerkraut for awhile and this looks like a great way to do so!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
This will get you going!
kimmythevegan says
What a fun recipe & giveaway! I LOVE sauerkraut. I used to really dislike it, but I think it’s because someone gave me a cheap-o not so great type of it. Since I have realized spending a bit of money on it is ok, I have fallen in love with it. There is a guy at the farmer’s market who makes his own and I love to buy it, but making my own would be so much cooler!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Ah yea! You need to spend the money on a high quality one! That’s one making your own sometimes helps offset the cost 😉
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
I love pickled and fermented foods for the gut, but love pickled veggies for the taste. I have not made my own sauerkraut so this is perfect for me. I also drink kefir and I’ve noticed a huge improvement. Can’t wait to try this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Fermented foods are what we all need for a healthy microbiome!
Nancy A says
Homemade Sauerkraut sure sounds and looks delicious. I pinned it
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
This looks great! I have been wanting to try a homemade fermented recipe– why is it so intimidating?! I love that you actually just did it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I think we all just get freaked out by that “bacteria growth” 😉 Even when it’s a good thing!
Janelle says
YUM, I love sauerkraut but go through so many bottles of the store bought stuff and worry about the additives, can’t wait to make this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I don’t know what kind your buying, but there should NOT be additives! Ha!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
I tried making my own sauerkraut once and failed miserably. I think I need to give it a go again!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Try, try, try again!!! I messed up the first time too, but then you learn!
Zoe says
I love saurkraut! I really want one of those fermentation pots and have been eyeing one for a while now. I think I would try to make a saurkraut-styled kimchi! I tried this once before but forgot to add the chili paste! It ended up just being saurkraut with fish sauce…. Still good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Interesting.
Evi @ greenevi says
I love everything fermented, but sauerkraut is especially magical! Your dreamy pink version is so beautiful too!
And wow, I’ve never knew making your own sauerkraut is that easy…plus now I really want a fermentation crock 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I think the crock just makes it even more special 😉 Sakerkruat is the kind of the fermented foods in my opinion 😉
Keeley McGuire says
Wow, haha I never knew how easy this was!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
The secret greatness! That’s why it really is magic!
Patricia @Sweet and Strong says
I used to hate sauerkraut growing up when my mom would make it with polish meals. But now I love it, I have been wanting to try to make it myself.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It’s one of those things that grows on you!
Miz Helen says
I will be using this recipe for the garden cabbage that I have right now. This looks like a great recipe.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Perfect!
Marla says
Hi Rebecca,
Home made sauerkraut is so good and so healthy. I make it myself but we do it a little different than your recipe – make a large amount at once and do it in crocks. Different ways work for individuals needs, but it still a wonderful way to help you digestive system and give you those wonderful probiotics that we need. Pinned & tweeted!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
As long as you’re eating it, that’s all that matters!
Johnna says
Love that you have used red cabbage!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
A little something more fun!
Cricket Plunkett says
Never used red cabbage to make kraut before, yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Have to add that touch of color!
Rosa parks says
never done any of this but I love cooking and would try it I would like to pickle some things first
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Homemade pickles or pickled beets…SO GOOD!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
Really cool! I’ve always wanted to make sauerkraut!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
And you should!
Kate Orson says
This sounds so simple, I’d love to try it as I’d really like to start eating fermented foods, although I don’t know much about them. What kind of things do you eat sauerkraut with? #brilliantblogposts
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You just eat is as a topping or on sandwiches, salad, or make these!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
I’m so impressed with people who ferment their own veggies – I’m too chicken to do it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Just take the first step and you’ll have your new hobby 😉
Lisa/Syncopated Ma! says
My husband’s been wanting to make this for a while – I’ll have to show him your post! So happy you conquered this goal!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, thanks Lisa!! You’ve got to give it a try as well! So much easier than thought!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
Love this! Thanks also for sharing healthier ingredient options.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Fermented foods rock!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
What an amazing recipe! I never thought about making sauerkraut at home. Thanks for sharing this magic medicine, Rebecca! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
The magic always happens in the kitchen 😉
Florentina says
This is so cool! I’ve always done it the old fashion way but what a great way to make life easier in the kitchen and being able to make a small batch of sauerkraut!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Anyway you do it, home-fermenting is a must!
nadia says
I’m following a gut healing protocol at the moment where I need to start introducing lots and LOTS of fermented food in a couple of weeks time. I love eating fermented food but I’ve never fermented anything in my life and I find the idea quite daunting. This gadget makes it looks so easy! Fantastic giveaway!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You NEED the crock then, Nadia!!
Mandy says
I’ve always wanted to make our own sauerkraut, but have been afraid to try! What a cool little gadget!! Bubbies is the best for pickles and kraut – I’ve also fallen in love with Pickled Planet…especially their curry spiced kraut ???? This recipe of yours sounds easy enough – can’t wait to try!! ❤️
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Oooooo! I need to go look up Pickled Planet!
Liz says
So pretty with two colors of cabbage. I love sauerkraut!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, had to make it a little classy 😉
Platter Talk says
Can’t wait to put this together. I love the smell of sauerkraut as well as the taste! Thanks.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, well I’m glad (and you like the smell too!) It really is so delicious!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
Coming from a Ukrainian background my mom and baba made this every year in the fall from all the cabbages in the garden. I still remember the smell in the house that lingered for weeks. Homemade is the best however….nothing beats it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Homemade everything is always so special! It adds to the amazing taste and love 😉
pragati says
Wow..this is something I can only dream of doing. But I do love sauerkraut. The fermentation crock is new to me. I doubt I will be able to get this in India, but I am off to check it out.
The red/green combination looks really pretty.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You don’t need a crock to ferment!
Renee says
I rarely eat sauerkraut, but enjoy it when I do. I should give this a try. Thank you for sharing your recipe, I’m pinning so I can refer back to it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope you try it out!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says
This sounds really cool…I’ve never made sauerkraut or even bought it to cook with (have only ordered it in restaurants-think Reubens!) Going to have to check this out.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well it’s overdue time to add it to your diet!
Mel |avirtualvegan.com says
What a cool little contraption that crock is! I really should eat more fermented foods. I rarely do. I am sure my tummy would thank me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It would thank you! You WILL notice the difference!
Sara B says
I would like to try to make kimchi
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Good choice!
Alexandra Robertson says
YUM. I recently finally developed a taste for saurkraut! The first thing I would make would be kimchi.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
BOTH are the best 😉
Linda @ Veganosity says
I love this recipe! Give me pickles, sauerkraut, and pickled ginger every day!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes, please!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Ooh I’m so impressed with this! Looks fab. I need to start using more fermented foods – I have used miso and kefir recently which I’ve enjoyed!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well keep it up!! The are a goldmine for our health!
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
We love fermented foods at our house! I’ve really been trying to remind myself to eat them daily – I was on antibiotics for a stubborn infection a few months back and it did a number of my gut health 🙁 Anywho, I’ve never tried making sauerkraut myself – so fun!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Then you need to LOAD UP on the ‘kraut!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
This is so cool. I buy sauerkraut, but I’ve always been afraid to make it myself. This Fermentation Crock is exactly what I need! P.S. I’m also a kombucha addict but am afraid to make it as well!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
These crocks will make the process SO easy and less intimidating!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
I LOVE sauerkraut! Their crocks are awesome too! I have one and love it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is THE best!!
Aren’t they just fantastic! Makes the process so much easier!
Lucinda Gilmore says
I always wanted to try to make my own sauerkraut but did not until this time. Your article is very clean, understandable. The photos are awesome! Are you planning to write about how to do food photography?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope you give it a try! It really is worth it!
Haha, I didn’t plan on it 😛
Kristen @ The Endless Meal says
It’s my goal to one day make sauerkraut, too! I just finished a big jar that my guy’s mom dropped off for us a few weeks ago. Love it! I’m going to have to try your recipe. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I have full faith that you can make your own ‘kraut with much ease 😉
Chris @thinlyspread says
Ah – fabulous! I have a crock too and have just started a batch of kimchi – I’ll have a go at your sauerkraut next!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Kimchi is on my list next!
Melissa @ Vegan Huggs says
I’m a sauerkraut addict! I’ve never seen that little crock. It looks perfect for fermenting. I have to get one. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is perfect for home fermenting!
Celeste says
I have been wanting to learn how to make saurkraut, and you make it look so easy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It actually is pretty easy! (Once you prep it correctly!)
Emily @ My Healthyish Life says
I just started eating sauerkraut this year and I’m hooked! My dad has always loved it (on hot dogs) so he’s happy I buy it regularly. Next step is making it! Along with kombucha, I suppose…
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, my dad has always loved it too! (I thought it was smelly and gross when I was younger!)
But seriously…I can’t get enough!!!
I’m still on the fence about how I feel about kombucha 😛
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Rebecca I so need this post/recipe! I have always wanted to try making my own sauerkraut – but like you, I was way too timid to try to – but this post is so inspiring – now if I win that Mortier Pilon Frementation Crock, I will be on my way to homemade sauerkraut. Thanks so much for the recipe and hosting that giveaway!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope you win, Shashi!!! It’s so fun and this crock really did help me get over the “hump” 😉
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
I LOVE sauerkraut and all things pickled and fermented. (and yes, that includes wine ;D)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Bahahaha 😉 Well a glass or two is “healthy” 😉
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry says
I’ve never thought of making sauerkraut but this looks easy
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Give it a try!
Shelby says
I love sauerkraut and had no idea it would be this easy to make! Thank you for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It’s very rewarding to make your own!