GERMAN SAUERKRAUT SOUP (SAUERKRAUTSUPPE)

German Sauerkraut Soup (Sauerkrautsuppe) image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 ounces flavorful smoked bacon or speck (, diced)
2 medium to large yellow onions (, chopped)
2 cloves garlic (, minced)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon quality smoked Hungarian paprika (preferably Kalosca or Szeged) ((mild, not hot))
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram ((very traditional herb in German cooking))
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (, lightly crushed)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups quality chicken broth (we recommend Aneto 100% All-Natural Chicken Broth)
or Aneto low-sodium chicken broth
18 ounces German Sauerkraut, drained ((about 3 1/2 heaping cups))
1/3 cup crème fraîche ((can substitute full-fat sour cream))

Steps:

In a soup pot fry the bacon until done. Add the onions and cook until lightly caramelized, 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another minute. Stir in the tomato paste and spices and cook another minute. Add the chicken broth and sauerkraut and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Stir in the crème fraîche or sour cream and heat through (do not boil).
Serve hot with a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream. Crusty bread and a leafy green salad make great accompaniments.