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
- 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
- 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!
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.
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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I really need to jump on the fermented food train for my sons’ gut health.
Megan recently posted…The BEST Homemade Gluten-free Flour Mix (Gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut and tree nut free; top 8 free; vegan)
Yes, you do!
I love sauerkraut! Yum, so good for you 🙂
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com recently posted…The Amazing Apple!
It is!
I love sauerkraut! You make it sound so simple to make, I’ll have to give it a try!
Starr recently posted…Apple Crumble Pie with Pear and Raisins
It really is so simple!
Great information for beginning fermenters, Rebecca!
Thanks!
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
Keep including it in your diet!
I didn’t know you could make your own! Definitely going to give this a go 🙂
Haha, sure.
I’ve been meaning to try more fermented foods. This looks like a great start!
Elle @ Only Taste Matters recently posted…Paleo Bacon and Egg Cups
I hope you start eating them!
I’ve been wanting to add sauerkraut to my diet, but haven’t yet! This tutorial is great!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy recently posted…Chewy, Seedy Healthy Dark Chocolate Bark
You should!
What a creative recipe. I have heard that the probiotic in fermented foods are god for your tummy. Have to try.
Melissa Ruddy recently posted…Is Balance a Myth?
They are the BEST for our gut health!
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.
Awesome!! I know you’ll love homemade kraut!
I’ve never tried making my own but I do love it!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Apple Zucchini Muffins – Seasonal Eats
Well, you should!
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!
Perfect! I know with all the summer growing, many of us have an abundance of produce to preserve!
I have been wanting to make my own sauerkraut for awhile and this looks like a great way to do so!
This will get you going!
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!
kimmythevegan recently posted…Healthy Vegan Fridays #116
Ah yea! You need to spend the money on a high quality one! That’s one making your own sometimes helps offset the cost 😉
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!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton recently posted…Social Media Blast – Facebook Week. I “Like” It!
Fermented foods are what we all need for a healthy microbiome!
Homemade Sauerkraut sure sounds and looks delicious. I pinned it
Thanks!
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.
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine recently posted…Butternut Turkey Baked Spaghetti (Grain Free)
I think we all just get freaked out by that “bacteria growth” 😉 Even when it’s a good thing!
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!
I don’t know what kind your buying, but there should NOT be additives! Ha!
I tried making my own sauerkraut once and failed miserably. I think I need to give it a go again!
Chrissa – Physical Kitchness recently posted…Paleo Apple Bread with Caramel Maple Glaze
Try, try, try again!!! I messed up the first time too, but then you learn!
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!
Interesting.
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 😀
Evi @ greenevi recently posted…Healing Vegetable Soup with Corn
I think the crock just makes it even more special 😉 Sakerkruat is the kind of the fermented foods in my opinion 😉
Wow, haha I never knew how easy this was!!
Keeley McGuire recently posted…Sandwich Thins Recipe {Gluten & Top 8 Allergen Free}
The secret greatness! That’s why it really is magic!
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.
It’s one of those things that grows on you!
I will be using this recipe for the garden cabbage that I have right now. This looks like a great recipe.
Miz Helen recently posted…Full Plate Thursday #292
Perfect!
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!
Marla recently posted…Real Food Fridays #156 – Essential For Good Health
As long as you’re eating it, that’s all that matters!
Love that you have used red cabbage!
Johnna recently posted…Instant Pot Banana Bread, Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free
A little something more fun!
Never used red cabbage to make kraut before, yummy!
Have to add that touch of color!
never done any of this but I love cooking and would try it I would like to pickle some things first
Homemade pickles or pickled beets…SO GOOD!
Really cool! I’ve always wanted to make sauerkraut!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition recently posted…Healthy Vegan Fridays #116
And you should!
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
You just eat is as a topping or on sandwiches, salad, or make these!
I’m so impressed with people who ferment their own veggies – I’m too chicken to do it!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free recently posted…Dairy Free Cheese Sauce with Baked Baby Potato Wedge Fries
Just take the first step and you’ll have your new hobby 😉
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!
Lisa/Syncopated Ma! recently posted…Friday Frivolity, Parker Posey Edition
Haha, thanks Lisa!! You’ve got to give it a try as well! So much easier than thought!
Love this! Thanks also for sharing healthier ingredient options.
Megan @ MegUnprocessed recently posted…Vegan Affogato
Fermented foods rock!
What an amazing recipe! I never thought about making sauerkraut at home. Thanks for sharing this magic medicine, Rebecca! 🙂
Demeter | Beaming Baker recently posted…Vegan Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie (V, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
The magic always happens in the kitchen 😉
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!
Florentina recently posted…Stuffed Tomatoes Recipe ( Italian )
Anyway you do it, home-fermenting is a must!
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!
nadia recently posted…Raw Apple Caramel Cheesecake (Vegan & Gluten-free)
You NEED the crock then, Nadia!!
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!! ❤️
Oooooo! I need to go look up Pickled Planet!
So pretty with two colors of cabbage. I love sauerkraut!
Haha, had to make it a little classy 😉
Can’t wait to put this together. I love the smell of sauerkraut as well as the taste! Thanks.
Platter Talk recently posted…Baked Zucchini Parmesan with Homemade Tomato Sauce
Haha, well I’m glad (and you like the smell too!) It really is so delicious!
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.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy recently posted…Nutella Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
Homemade everything is always so special! It adds to the amazing taste and love 😉
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.
You don’t need a crock to ferment!
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.
I hope you try it out!
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.
Well it’s overdue time to add it to your diet!
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!
It would thank you! You WILL notice the difference!
I would like to try to make kimchi
Good choice!
YUM. I recently finally developed a taste for saurkraut! The first thing I would make would be kimchi.
BOTH are the best 😉
I love this recipe! Give me pickles, sauerkraut, and pickled ginger every day!
Linda @ Veganosity recently posted…Favorite Fall Vegan Recipes
Yes, please!
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!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche recently posted…Vegetable cobbler
Well keep it up!! The are a goldmine for our health!
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!
Ashley@CookNourishBliss recently posted…BBQ Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini with Black Beans
Then you need to LOAD UP on the ‘kraut!
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!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day recently posted…Buffalo Ranch Chickpea Taco Salad
These crocks will make the process SO easy and less intimidating!
I LOVE sauerkraut! Their crocks are awesome too! I have one and love it.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish recently posted…Grain Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins
It is THE best!!
Aren’t they just fantastic! Makes the process so much easier!
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?
I hope you give it a try! It really is worth it!
Haha, I didn’t plan on it 😛
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. 🙂
I have full faith that you can make your own ‘kraut with much ease 😉
Ah – fabulous! I have a crock too and have just started a batch of kimchi – I’ll have a go at your sauerkraut next!
Kimchi is on my list next!
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 🙂
It is perfect for home fermenting!
I have been wanting to learn how to make saurkraut, and you make it look so easy!
It actually is pretty easy! (Once you prep it correctly!)
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…
Emily @ My Healthyish Life recently posted…4 Things to Do in the Denver Area
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 😛
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!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan recently posted…Chocolate Coconut Chia Smoothie Bowl
I hope you win, Shashi!!! It’s so fun and this crock really did help me get over the “hump” 😉
I LOVE sauerkraut and all things pickled and fermented. (and yes, that includes wine ;D)
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…Runners Need the Lagree Fitnes Method : Studio Lagree Review
Bahahaha 😉 Well a glass or two is “healthy” 😉
I’ve never thought of making sauerkraut but this looks easy
Bintu – Recipes From A Pantry recently posted…Raspberry and Rosewater Jam
Give it a try!
I love sauerkraut and had no idea it would be this easy to make! Thank you for sharing!
It’s very rewarding to make your own!