Best Nancys Homemade Canned Sauerkraut Recipes

SAUERKRAUT FOR CANNING

Steps:

• Remove outer leaves and any undesirable portions from firm mature heads of cabbage; wash and drain. Cut into halves or quarters; remove core. Use a shredder or sharp knife to cut cabbage into thin shreds about the thickness of a dime.
• In a large bowl, thoroughly mix 3 tablespoons salt with 5 lbs. shredded cabbage. Let salted cabbage stand for several minutes to wilt slightly; this allows packing without excessive breaking or bruising of the shreds.
• Pack salted cabbage firmly and evenly into a large, clean pickling container. Using a wooden spoon, tapper or hands, press down firmly until the juice comes to the surface.
• Repeat shredding, salting and packing of cabbage until the container is filled to within 3 to 4 inches of the top. If juice does not cover cabbage, add brine: 1 1/2 tablespoons salt to 1 quart water; bring brine to a boil; cool.
• Cover cabbage with muslin or cheesecloth and tuck edges down against the inside of the container. Weight down cabbage under brine. Formation of gas bubbles indicates fermentation is taking place. Remove and discard scum formation each day. A room temperature of 70 degrees to 75 degrees F is best for fermenting cabbage. Fermentation is usually complete in 3 to 6 weeks.
• TO CAN: Bring sauerkraut to a simmer (185 to 210degrees F). Do not boil. Pack hot cabbage into hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Adjust caps. Process pints 15 minutes, quarts 20 minutes, in a boiling water canner.

SAUERKRAUT AND NOODLES

Steps:

• For noodles:.
• Bring salted water to boil and cook according to package directions.
• For sauerkraut:.
• Drain sauerkraut in a colander, and with the back of a spoon squeeze it out until rather dry.
• Optionally cut sauerkraut crosswise on a cutting board. It will be easier to mix and eat when using short noodles.
• Deseed bell pepper and cut into 1/8 inch slices.
• Heat oil in a pot over medium high heat and fry onion and pepper until onion in transparent, 3 minutes.
• Add paprika, sauerkraut, apple juice and majoram. Stir to mix, reduce heat to medium low and cook covered for 5 minutes. Almost all liquid should have been absorbed. Otherwise cook open over high heat until almost dry.
• Taste with salt and pepper.
• For topping:.
• Mix sour cream with 2/3 of the chives. Reserve rest for garnish.
• To assemble:.
• Mix noodles with sauerkraut. Put on individual plates and top with sour cream. Garnish with chives. ( I mince a small part of the bell pepper for additional garnish).
• Note: If you can't get a small can of sauerkraut, the rest of a larger can will keep covered in the fridge for several days. German sauerkraut is mild. Taste yours. If it is very acidic rinse quickly in a colander under the tap.