Vegan Sauerkraut Soup Recipe

 

Tangy, Comforting & Plant-Based: Vegan Sauerkraut Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, tangy, and deeply nourishing, vegan sauerkraut soup is the dish you didn’t know you needed. Popular in many Eastern European kitchens, sauerkraut soup (often called “kapustnica” in Slovakia or “sauerkrautsuppe” in Germany) is traditionally a robust, wintery dish. But this vegan version is lighter, cleaner, and just as flavorful—making it perfect year-round.

It’s a fantastic way to support gut health (thanks to the fermented cabbage), boost your immunity, and enjoy a warm bowl of plant-powered comfort food.

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Why You’ll Love This Vegan Sauerkraut Soup

• 🌱 Completely plant-based – No meat, no dairy, no compromise on flavor

• 🥬 Probiotic-rich – Sauerkraut is great for digestion and gut health

• 🍲 Hearty and filling – A satisfying meal on its own

• 🧄 Flavorful and unique – A delicious balance of sour, savory, and spiced

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 large carrot, diced

• 1 celery stalk, diced

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut (with some juice for extra tang)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional but traditional)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 5 cups vegetable broth

• Salt to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté the base:
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

2. Add the veggies:
   Stir in the carrot, celery, and potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Spice it up:
   Add smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices.

4. Pour in broth and simmer:
   Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

5. Add sauerkraut:
   Stir in the sauerkraut (along with a few tablespoons of its juice for more flavor). Simmer for another 5–10 minutes.

6. Taste and adjust:
   Season with salt if needed. The sauerkraut is salty, so taste before adding too much.

7. Serve and garnish:
   Ladle into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy hot!

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Optional Add-ins

• White beans or lentils – For extra protein and fiber

• Bay leaf – For added depth during simmering

• Tomato paste – Adds richness and color

• Vegan sausage – For a traditional twist with plant-based protein

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Final Thoughts

This vegan sauerkraut soup is the perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and savory. It’s a wholesome dish that feels both rustic and refined—and it’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you're looking to add more fermented foods to your diet, or you just want a cozy bowl of comfort, this soup delivers every time.

It stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or freezing. In fact, the flavors get even better the next day!

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Give this recipe a try and discover just how delicious fermented foods can be. Don’t forget to tag your creations with #VeganSauerkrautSoup and let us know your favorite variations!