Like kimchi, sauerkraut is very healthy, providing lots of probiotics which promote gut health. You'll need 2 x 4 cup (1 litre) clean glass jars with screw-top lids. Begin this recipe at least 2 days ahead.
Sauerkraut
METHOD:
- Place all ingredients in a bowl. Using a wooden pounder, the flat head of a meat hammer or your hands, pound or squeeze the cabbage to release its water content. Keep pounding or squeezing until water runs out when you squeeze a fistful of cabbage. This will take up to 10 minutes.
- Tightly pack cabbage mixture into jars, pressing down so liquid rises above the cabbage and any air bubbles are released. Pack the jars until filled 3 cms (1") from the top and liquid covers the cabbage by about 1cm (1.5"). You can top up the jars with filtered water if necessary. Wipe jar rims clean and seal.
- Place jars on a tray in a cool dry place for at least 2 days to ferment. During this time the sauerkraut will bubble and some juices will escape. Simply wipe jars clean.
- After 2 days carefully open jars over a sink, in case juices bubble over, and taste the sauerkraut. If you are happy with the level of sourness, reseal and chill. If you would like the sauerkraut to be more sour, reseal, place on tray and stand for another 24 hours.
- Sauerkraut can be eaten immediately but will improve with time.
- Store, covered and chilled, for up to 6 months.