Sausage and cabbage brine soup

Smoked Sausage and Sauerkraut Soup - A Winter Delicacy

Smoked sausage and sauerkraut soup is a traditional dish, full of flavor, perfect for chilly winter days. This recipe combines the intense flavors of smoked sausages with the freshness of vegetables and the slightly salty acidity of sauerkraut juice. It is a simple soup recipe, but with a taste that will warm your soul and fill you with energy. Let's discover together how to prepare it!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 4 carrots (approximately 300 g)
- 1 large parsnip (approximately 150 g)
- 2 medium onions
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 5-6 potatoes (approximately 600 g)
- 500 g smoked homemade sausages
- 2 cups sauerkraut juice (approximately 500 ml)
- 1 bunch of fresh or dried tarragon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons sour cream

Soup Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling and washing the vegetables well. Chop the onion and pepper finely, while the carrots and parsnip are sliced into rounds. Peel and dice the potatoes. It is important to ensure that all ingredients are cut evenly for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Boiling the vegetables
In a 4-liter pot, add about 2 liters of water and place it on the heat. When the water starts to boil, add the onion, pepper, carrots, and parsnip. Let the vegetables boil over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until they become slightly soft.

Step 3: Preparing the sausages
In the meantime, slice the sausages into rounds. In a non-stick pan, without oil, fry the sausages on both sides until they develop a nice crust. This step will intensify the flavor of the soup and add a pleasant texture.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
When the vegetables are halfway cooked, add the fried sausages to the pot. Continue to boil the soup for another 10-15 minutes, then add the diced potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup boil until all the vegetables are well cooked.

Step 5: Adding the sauerkraut juice
Towards the end, add the sauerkraut juice and finely chopped tarragon. Let the soup come to a boil for 5 minutes. The sauerkraut juice will not only add a delicious taste but also enrich the nutritional value of the dish.

Step 6: Enriching the soup
After the soup has boiled, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream. Add a few tablespoons of hot soup to the egg and sour cream mixture, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the egg. Then pour this mixture into the pot, stirring gently to achieve a creamy consistency.

Serving and Suggestions

Smoked sausage and sauerkraut soup is served hot, topped with a spoonful of sour cream and, for those who love spice, with fresh or pickled hot peppers on the side. It is a perfect combination of flavors that will delight your taste buds!

Tips and Useful Advice

- Sausages: Choose high-quality homemade sausages for an authentic taste. Smoked sausages add a rich flavor, but fresh sausages can also be used if you prefer a milder taste.
- Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to diversify the flavor and enrich the soup nutritionally.
- Tarragon: If you don’t have fresh tarragon, you can use dried tarragon, but use it sparingly as the flavor is more concentrated.

Nutritional Benefits

Smoked sausage and sauerkraut soup is not only tasty but also nutritious. Fresh vegetables provide a significant amount of vitamins and minerals, while smoked sausages offer essential proteins. Sauerkraut juice is rich in probiotics, which support digestive health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use vegetarian sausages?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using vegetarian sausages to create a vegetarian version of the soup.

2. How long can the soup be stored?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat it over low heat, adding a little water if necessary.

3. What drinks pair well with this soup?
A pale lager or a dry white wine are excellent choices that complement the intense flavor of the soup.

Recipe Variants

If you want to experiment, you can try adding spices like sweet paprika or garlic to further enhance the flavors. A popular variant is adding beans to make the soup heartier.

Smoked sausage and sauerkraut soup is undoubtedly a dish that combines tradition with exquisite taste. Prepare it for a family meal and enjoy its comforting aroma!