"Raw" Fermented Cabbage & Beet Sauerkraut
Probiotic = "for life"
Lacto-fermented sauerkraut and beets for a healthy digestive system and an invigorated liver!
One or two spoonfuls a day will improve your health.
Recipe Prep 15 minutes Yields 6-7 cups
1 large organic green cabbage
* Save one large cabbage leaf*
2 tbsp. finely ground Himalayan salt
1 large organic beet - peeled
3 tbsp. organic ginger - minced
2 large cloves of organic garlic - minced
3 tbsp. organic caraway seed - freshly ground
Glass jar with lid
Small glass jar or weight stone that will fit into the larger jar
* for pressing down on the cabbage leaf to keep the sauerkraut under
the liquid*
Using a food processor, grate the cabbage and transfer to a large
bowl. Add the salt and then proceed to use a hand masher through
the cabbage to induce it to release it's juice.
Note: You can squeeze with your hands also.
Let sit for 10 minutes.
Grate the beet in the food processor. Then add to the cabbage.
Add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well.
Transfer this with the juices into the larger jar, packing it tight
to remove any air pockets. Leave 1 inch space at top. Wipe the
rim.
Note: A sauerkraut pounder can be used
Cover with the saved cabbage leaf and place the small jar on top
(open mouth facing up) or weight and press down until all the
sauerkraut ingredients are under the liquid and no air pockets
are present.
Put the lid on the jar and leave on the countertop for at least 7-8 days,
but 10-14 days are ideal.
Open each day to check and press down to allow the gas to release.
Keep covered.
Tip: The juices will expand, so I keep a hand towel underneath
the jar because the juices will leak out. I wipe the jar down everyday
and change the towel.
After about 7 days, the juices will reduce and seem as if they
disappeared into the kraut.
The 7th day is when the good bacteria is established, but it would
be better to let them continue until the 14th day.
You can taste it to see how tangy you want it. The longer it sits the
more beneficial probiotics develop.
Place the jar in the refrigerator when you have determined the flavor that
you want.
Start out eating a teaspoon with your meals and slowly buildup to a heaping tablespoon full.
Note: Friendly bacteria (probiotics) need to be incorporated gradually into the diet with a smaller portion for a while, allowing the population to build up. Enjoy!
