Beetroot & red cabbage sauerkraut

Authentic Polish Beetroot & red cabbage sauerkraut — a delicious vegetarian dish with 5 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

20

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

280

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Beetroot & red cabbage sauerkraut

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 320 g Beetroot
  • 450 g Red Cabbage
  • 1 small Onion
  • 2 tsp Caraway Seed
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt

Instructions

4 steps · ~33 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Tip all the ingredients into a large bowl, add 1-1½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, then scrunch it all together with your hands for 5 mins. You might want to wear gloves to avoid staining your skin with the beetroot juices.

    10 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
  2. Step 2

    Press the veg down in the bowl with your hands, then cover the surface and up the side of the bowl with a large sheet of compostable cling film or something reusable like a beeswax wrap. Now place another similar-sized bowl on top. Press down hard and add anything heavy (packs of rice or cans work well) to weigh it down so the juices rise to cover the surface. Cover again.

    10 minutes
  3. Step 3

    Leave to ferment at room temperature for at least five days, but for maximum flavour, leave for one-five weeks (until the bubbling subsides).

    5 minutes
  4. Step 4

    Check the sauerkraut. After a few days, you will see bubbles that have built up as it ferments. Give it a stir, then cover and weigh it down again as before. The cabbage will become increasingly sour the longer it’s fermented, so taste it now and again. When you like the flavour, transfer it to sterilised jars and keep chilled. Will keep chilled for up to six months.

    8 minutes

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Polish recipe for Beetroot & red cabbage sauerkraut is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Polish cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your polish meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Beetroot & red cabbage sauerkraut is a beloved dish from Polish cuisine, originating in Poland. With a total preparation time of about 50 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Polish cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 5 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fermenting beetroot and red cabbage sauerkraut typically takes about 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the temperature and desired sourness.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories280kcal
Total Fat13g
Sodium618mg
Total Carbohydrates31g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein34g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisinePolish
CategoryVegetarian
CountryPoland