Fermented Cabbage Soup (Zelňačka)

Ingredients:

16 oz sauerkraut (frmented cabbage)

3 potatoes

7 oz klobása

1/3 cup all purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

5 cups chicken broth

3 onions

3 tbsp lard

1/2 tsp caraway seeds

1 tbsp ground sweet paprika

2 Bay Leaves

Salt & pepper

Instructions:

Peel the onions and chop them roughly.

Put the lard in a large pot with a thick bottom, heat it, add the onion, and fry until lightly golden.

Dust with sweet paprika, add the crushed caraway seeds and flour, fry for a minute while continuously stirring.

Add in a little broth and mix so that the roux dissolves. Stir and add in the broth gradually. Stir it with a spoon or whisk it so that no lumps form.

Add the cut sauerkraut, bay leaves, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Meanwhile, peel and dice the potatoes and cook them in a separate pot in salted water.

Dice the sausages and fry them in the lard in a separate pan.

Add the potatoes and sausages to the soup, take out the bay leaves, and add sugar.

Mix, flavor with salt and pepper to your liking, and serve with some fresh dill.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 bowl

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of sauerkraut is best for fermented cabbage soup?

Ideally, use homemade or high-quality store-bought sauerkraut without additives.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian.

Is there a suitable alternative to lard for frying the onions?

You can use vegetable oil or bacon fat as alternatives to lard for frying.

How important is it to continuously stir the roux when making the soup?

Continuous stirring prevents lumps in the roux, ensuring a smooth texture in the soup.

Can I omit the sugar from the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar amount or omit it altogether based on personal preference.

Is there a particular type of potato recommended for this soup?

Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a firmer texture in the soup.

Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it?

Yes, fermented cabbage soup reheats well, and flavors often deepen when allowed to sit.

Are there alternative sausages I can use instead of klobása?

Experiment with various sausages like kielbasa or smoked sausage based on your taste preferences.

What is the purpose of adding caraway seeds to the soup?

Caraway seeds add a distinctive flavor to the soup, enhancing its overall taste.

Can I freeze fermented cabbage soup?

While the texture may change slightly upon freezing, you can freeze the soup for future consumption.

Ensure it cools completely before freezing and reheating.