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–+ servings

German Sauerkraut Soup (Sauerkrautsuppe)

By Kimberly Killebrew
Celebrating one of Germany's most famous "superfoods", Sauerkraut, this wonderful soup is satisfying to both tummy and soul.  The combination of tangy sauerkraut, caramelized onions, smoky paprika, savory bacon and earthy caraway is simply irresistible!
5 from 83 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 ounces flavorful smoked bacon or speck , diced
  • 2 medium to large yellow onions , chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (use mild, not hot)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram (very traditional herb in German cooking)
  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds , lightly crushed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 4 cups quality chicken broth
  • 18 ounces German Sauerkraut, drained (about 3 1/2 heaping cups), other other naturally fermented sauerkraut *see Note below
  • How to Make Sauerkraut (it's easy! Click link for the recipe)
  • 1/3 cup crème fraîche or full-fat sour cream

Instructions
 

  • In a soup pot fry the bacon until done.  Add the onions and cook until lightly caramelized, 5-7 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook another minute.  Stir in the tomato paste and spices and cook another minute.  Add the chicken broth and sauerkraut and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.  Stir in the crème fraîche or sour cream and heat through (do not boil). 
  • Serve hot with a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream.  Crusty bread and a leafy green salad make great accompaniments.

Notes

For a true authentic German flavor, I highly recommend using imported German sauerkraut.  It's naturally fermented, not made with vinegar, and tastes vastly different than most American brands and is generally also much milder in flavor.  Some well-stocked grocery stores carry German sauerkraut and it is also sold at World Market and online.

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 1176mgPotassium: 469mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
Course Main Course, Soup, Starter
Cuisine German
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