What to Eat with Sauerkraut – 12 Incredible Side Dishes
Sauerkraut is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed with many different main courses. It is made from fermented cabbage and is a good source of fiber and probiotics.
I love sauerkraut, and I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy it. Recently, I tried it with a side dish of mashed potatoes and gravy. It was a delicious combination!
The potatoes were hearty and satisfying, and the sauerkraut added a tart, tangy flavor that complemented the gravy. Thankfully, that is not the only fitting complementary side dish with sauerkraut.
In this article, we will discuss 10 different side dishes that pair well with sauerkraut. We will also explain why these dishes work well as sides so that you can confidently give them a try!
Side Dishes for Sauerkraut
- Smoked fish
- Pork chops
- Sweet potato chips
- Tuna salad
- Cabbage soup
- Beef Tacos
- Roasted carrots
- Chicken or beef roast
- Cauliflower
- Corned beef
Smoked fish
Smoked fish is a great side dish for Sauerkraut because it is packed with nutrition. It’s also a good source of protein and other essential vitamins, which are necessary for a balanced diet.
You will find that the smoky flavor of smoked fish goes well with the somewhat tart and tangy flavor of sauerkraut.
When you go with smoked fish, you are not just getting a delicious side dish, but also a highly nutritious one.
Pork Chops
Pork chops are another fantastic side dish for Sauerkraut. They are a good source of protein and also contain several vitamins and minerals.
Pork chops can be grilled, baked, or fried, making them a versatile option for any meal.
To bake pork chops in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, season the pork chops with your favorite spices and bake for about 30 minutes.
Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet potato chips are a delicious and healthy side dish for Sauerkraut. They are a good source of fiber and contain vitamins A, C, and E.
Their sweet, savory flavor compliments the sourness of the Sauerkraut. In addition, they are also easy to make and can be a healthy alternative to other fried side dishes.
To make sweet potato chips, simply slice sweet potatoes thinly and fry in oil until golden brown. Serve with salt and pepper to taste.
Tuna Salad
This is a great side dish for sauerkraut because it is healthy and flavorful. Tuna salad is a good source of protein and omega-three fatty acids.
To make tuna salad, simply combine canned tuna, diced celery, diced onion, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Tuna is rich in flavor, so a little goes a long way.
Serve tuna salad on a bed of lettuce or with crackers.
Cabbage Soup
This hearty soup pairs well with Sauerkraut. Cabbage soup is packed with vitamins and minerals and it’s also low in calories.
Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, and when combined with other healthy ingredients, makes a delicious and satisfying soup.
To make cabbage soup, simply sauté chopped cabbage in olive oil until tender. Then, add chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings of your choice.
Bring the soup to a boil and then let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Beef Tacos
Tacos are a delicious and easy way to enjoy Sauerkraut. They are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and can be made with either beef or chicken.
The savory flavors of the beef complement the sourness of the sauerkraut, and the two dishes share a similar nutritional profile.
To make beef tacos, simply sauté ground beef in a pan until browned. Then, add your favorite taco seasoning and diced tomatoes.
The crunchiness of beef tacos serves as a nice contrast to the creamy sauerkraut.
Roasted Carrots
Carrots are a great side dish for Sauerkraut because they are sweet, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Roasting carrots brings out their natural sweetness and makes them slightly crispy.
To roast carrots, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, toss carrots in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Chicken or Beef Roast
Chicken or beef roast is another side dish option that is packed with protein and nutrients. Its rich flavor pairs nicely with the sourness of Sauerkraut.
The roast provides a hearty base, while the sauerkraut adds a touch of acidity and freshness. This combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
To make a beef roast, simply season beef roast with your favorite spices and cook in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about two hours.
For chicken roast, season the chicken and bake it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes.
Both of these options make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower as a side dish for sauerkraut works because it is a milder flavored vegetable. The two dishes have a similar texture, and the cauliflower absorbs the flavors of the sauerkraut.
Cauliflower is also a good source of fiber and vitamins C, K, and B-six.
When choosing cauliflower for a side dish with Sauerkraut, it is important to use a variety of cauliflower. The different types of cauliflower will have different flavors and textures, which will complement the Sauerkraut.
Some good options include:
– White Cauliflower, has a mild flavor and is good for absorbing other flavors.
– Purple Cauliflower, which has a sweeter flavor and pairs well with stronger flavored dishes.
– Orange Cauliflower, which is slightly nutty in flavor and goes well with creamy Sauerkraut.
However, note that when preparing cauliflower as a side dish for Sauerkraut, be sure to season it well.
Corned beef
Corned beef is a perfect side dish for Sauerkraut. It is a type of salt-cured beef that is usually brisket or round.
In addition, it’s flavored with spices like cloves, bay leaves, and mustard seeds. Corned beef pairs well with Sauerkraut because the salty flavor of the meat complements the sourness of the cabbage.
When preparing corned beef as a side dish, it is important to simmer it in water for several hours to soften the meat.
After it has simmered, the corned beef can then be sliced and served with Sauerkraut.
FAQ
What is sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage. It is made by shredding cabbage and then fermenting it in salt water.
Can I eat sauerkraut if I am on a low-sodium diet?
Yes, you can still enjoy sauerkraut if you are on a low-sodium diet. Sauerkraut is a good source of probiotics, which can help with gut health.
Can I freeze sauerkraut?
Yes, you can freeze sauerkraut but note that the fermentation process will continue even when frozen.
What is the healthiest way to eat sauerkraut?
There are many ways to enjoy sauerkraut. Some people like to eat it raw, while others prefer to cook it. Either way is a good way to get the probiotic benefits of sauerkraut. However, one thing that is frowned upon is heating sauerkraut, as this can kill the live and active cultures.
Is it good to eat sauerkraut with every meal?
No, you don’t need to eat sauerkraut with every meal. However, including sauerkraut as part of a healthy diet can be beneficial.
It is a good source of probiotics, which can help with gut health. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Is sauerkraut in a jar good for you?
The sauerkraut in a jar is just as good for you as the sauerkraut that is made from scratch. The main difference is that the store-bought version may have added preservatives.
When choosing store-bought sauerkraut, be sure to check the label to make sure it does not have any added preservatives.
However, making yours will give you more control over the ingredients used.
Conclusion:
So there you have it, our list of side dishes to enjoy with Sauerkraut. We hope you find these suggestions helpful and that they inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.