Lithuanian Sauerkraut Soup Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Start by preparing the sauerkraut. Rinse it under cold water to remove excess salt.
• STEP 2.In a large pot, cook the smoked meat until it is tender. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
• STEP 3.Add the sauerkraut, potatoes, and water to the pot. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• STEP 4.Cook the soup for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• STEP 5.While the soup is cooking, shred the cooked smoked meat into small pieces.
• STEP 6.Add the shredded meat back to the pot and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
• STEP 7.Simmer the soup for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• STEP 8.Serve the Lithuanian Sauerkraut Soup hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a slice of rye bread.

Cooking Tips

• You can use any type of smoked meat, such as ham hocks or bacon, for this soup.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes to thicken the broth.
• The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Storage and Serving

• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• Serve the soup hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a slice of rye bread.