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German Sauerkraut Soup Recipe – Oma's Sauerkrautsuppe

This Sauerkraut Soup recipe, aka Sauerkrautsuppe, is a favorite. It's one of the easy Eintopf (one-pot) meals that Germany is so famous for. Everything's cooked in one pot - easy clean-up! You can alter the amounts of the veggies or meat according to your tastes.

Servings:

Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

Either make your own meatballs:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 large egg
• salt, pepper

OR use frozen:

• 1 pound bag frozen meatballs (no need to thaw)

Soup:

• 1 pound potatoes, peeled
• 2 - 3 medium carrots, peeled
• 2 small onions, diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 28-ounce can or jar sauerkraut, drained (see note)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 4 cups beef broth (or bouillon)
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp pepper, or to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. If you are making your own meatballs, mix together ground beef and egg. Season with salt and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Dice potatoes and carrots into small pieces, about 1-inch in size.
3. In a large pot or dutch oven, sauté onions in oil over medium heat until translucent. Add sugar and continue sautéing until golden brown.
4. Add drained sauerkraut. Continue sautéing for a few minutes. Add paprika.
5. Add beef broth, meatballs, carrots, and potatoes. Bring to a boil. Lower heat to a gentle simmer and cook, covered, for about 15 to 30 minutes.
6. Season soup with salt and pepper, if desired.
7. Serve in individual bowls with a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream, along with a fresh salad and crusty bread for an easy meal.

NOTES/HINTS

• Use about 3 - 4 cups sauerkraut if using homemade. Since it is raw, it will reduce in volume as it's cooking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container. This yummy soup tastes even better the next day.
• Optional additional seasonings: Add caraway seeds with the paprika and/or a bay leaf along with the beef broth and other veggies. Or use any of your favorite fresh herbs.
• Consider adding minced garlic cloves and/or diced celery for added nutrition.
• Try adding a little bit of tomato paste for added depth of flavor.
• Make a vegetarian version by omitting the meatballs (or use plant-based meatballs or white beans) and substitute vegetable stock for the beef broth.
• Make it a Sauerkraut and Sausage Soup by replacing the meatballs with your favorite German sausage.

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12.14.2021 revision update