Home > Eastern European Recipes > Sauerkraut Soup Recipe (Kapustnyak)

Sauerkraut Soup Recipe (Kapustnyak)

This sauerkraut soup is a most unusual and delicious soup. The sauerkraut gives it a lovely texture and zing. It's hearty, filling and will warm your belly | natashaskitchen.com

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

This sauerkraut soup is a most unusual and delicious soup. It’s also the perfect example of how the farmers and common folks of Ukraine made delicious foods with simple basic ingredients. My husband’s grandparents stored sauerkraut in barrels for winter. The sauerkraut was one of their primary vegetable sources during the cold months, so they got creative with it and made Kapustnyak (sauerkraut soup).

Can you even imagine not being able to go to the grocery store and buy broccoli or lettuce in the winter? We are truly blessed to live in the US! #sothankful ?

Back to this soup, the sauerkraut gives it a lovely texture and zing and the bacon provides a subtle smokiness. ?Excellent with fresh crusty bread. It’s hearty, filling and will warm your belly. My husband and I enjoyed leftovers for several days.

This recipe was inspired by one of my readers, Oksana, who shared her recipe for sauerkraut soup and bean soup with me. It was also inspired by Rachel Ray’s Ham, Bean and Bacon Soup. Thank you ladies for generously sharing your delicious recipes! 🙂

Ingredients for Sauerkraut Soup:

1 Tbsp olive oil
8 oz bacon, chopped
1 stick celery, finely diced
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
3 medium (1 lb) potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/3″ thick pieces
1/4 cup quinoa, rinsed, optional 
2-3 cups sauerkraut, triple rinsed & drained (we use 3 cups or about 2 lbs)
8 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 cups water, or to taste
1 (15 oz can) white beans (click to learn how to cook your own beans)
Salt, Pepper and Mrs. Dash seasoning, to taste

This sauerkraut soup is a most unusual and delicious soup. The sauerkraut gives it a lovely texture and zing. It's hearty, filling and will warm your belly | natashaskitchen.com

How to Make Sauerkraut Soup (Kapustnyak):

1. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven (here’s the one I use). Add chopped bacon and sautee until browned then remove with a slotted spoon and reserve.

Sauerkraut Soup Recipe-7

2. Add finely chopped celery and onion. Saute until softened and golden (5 min).

Sauerkraut Soup Recipe-8

3. Add sliced carrots, potatoes, 1/4 cup quinoa (if using), 8 cups broth and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer 15 min.

Sauerkraut Soup Recipe-2

4. Add 2-3 cups of well rinsed and drained sauerkraut and half of cooked bacon (I keep some for garnish), white beans with their juice, and 1 bay leaf and continue to cook until potatoes are tender (about 10 min). Season soup to taste (I added 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/2 tsp Mrs Dash). Serve with fresh crusty bread.

Sauerkraut Soup Recipe-3

This sauerkraut soup is a most unusual and delicious soup. The sauerkraut gives it a lovely texture and zing. It's hearty, filling and will warm your belly | natashaskitchen.com

Sauerkraut Soup Recipe (Kapustnyak)

4.99 from 188 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
Sauerkraut Soup in a bowl with a spoon beside it and three slices of bread
This sauerkraut soup is a most unusual and delicious soup. The sauerkraut gives it a lovely texture and zing and the bacon provides a subtle smokiness. It's hearty, filling and will warm your belly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 large bowls of soup
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz bacon, chopped
  • 1 stick celery, finely diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
  • 3 medium, 1 lb potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/3" thick pieces
  • 1/4 cup quinoa, rinsed, optional
  • 2-3 cups sauerkraut, triple rinsed & drained (we use 3 cups or about 2 lbs)
  • 8 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups water, or to taste
  • 1 15 oz can white beans (click to learn how to cook your own beans)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt, Pepper and Mrs. Dash seasoning, to taste

Instructions

  • Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add chopped bacon and sautee until browned then remove with a slotted spoon and reserve.
  • Add finely chopped celery and onion. Saute until softened and golden (5 min).
  • Add sliced carrots, potatoes, 1/4 cup quinoa (if using), 8 cups broth and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer 15 min.
  • Add 2-3 cups of well rinsed and drained sauerkraut and half of cooked bacon (I keep some for garnish), white beans with their juice, and 1 bay leaf and continue to cook until potatoes are tender (about 10 min). Season soup to taste (I added 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/2 tsp Mrs Dash). Serve with fresh crusty bread.
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Russian
Keyword: Sauerkraut Soup
Skill Level: Easy/Medium
Cost to Make: $$
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

 

This sauerkraut soup is a most unusual and delicious soup. The sauerkraut gives it a lovely texture and zing. It's hearty, filling and will warm your belly | natashaskitchen.com

All that coziness in a bowl ?. What’s your favorite “weird” soup? Maybe you fancy yourself a bowl of pickle soup or green borsch?

This sauerkraut soup is a most unusual and delicious soup. The sauerkraut gives it a lovely texture and zing. It's hearty, filling and will warm your belly | natashaskitchen.com

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

Read more posts by Natasha

4.99 from 188 votes (133 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Michelle
    November 5, 2022

    I dont have white beans, would a can of pork and beans work?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 5, 2022

      I have not tested that to advise the outcome.

      Reply

  • Kathe Mensik
    October 26, 2022

    Howdy from your neighbor to the east–we live in MT. My husband is Czech, we love the Lord, and i really connected with your story.
    We’re going to be moving and are in the process of using up what’s in the fridge and pantry. I made a cabbage & sausage soup this week, which was a big hit. However, it was missing the zing I would have liked. Have a bottle of sauerkraut in the fridge that needs eating, i searched the internet to see if there was a sauerkraut soup. I was delighted to find yours; I was even more delighted to see I have all the necessary ingredients, –all good I’d rather use up than pack up!
    I’ll let you know how it comes out. 😀

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 26, 2022

      I’m so happy you discovered my blog & this recipe, Kathe! That’s so great! Welcome!

      Reply

  • Etel
    October 25, 2022

    I love making this soup for my family. We make a big batch and eat it over several days. The biggest difference is that we don’t use bacon because we don’t eat pork. Instead we use cut beef chunks which is really delicious and makes the soup so hearty and filling. Sear the meat first, then take it out, sauté the veggies readd the meat and then cook as described. We usually cook it for much longer to get the meat tender but overall it’s the same. A real favorite for our household.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 25, 2022

      I’m happy to hear it’s a favorite. Thank you for sharing, Etel!

      Reply

  • Andrea
    October 4, 2022

    My Grandmother used to make something called Kapusta. It was similar to this recipe. Had cabbage, grated potato and onion, fried bacon and was like a thick stew. I’m pretty sure she added vinegar to it as well. It was served over boiled potato’s.

    Reply

  • Mike Y
    September 27, 2022

    Made this tonight using 3 cups of triple washed sauerkraut w/o the additional 2 cups of water. Wife and kids loved it – the crusty bread is important! Recipe is a keeper for sure – thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 28, 2022

      Thank you for the awesome feedback! We appreciate it.

      Reply

  • Sirts
    August 30, 2022

    Someone asked what to use to replace bacon. I eat bacon but my other half does not. So I use turkey bacon or stew beef cut into small pieces. Stew beef is better because it has more fat but turkey bacon is easier for my toddler to eat.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 30, 2022

      Thank you for sharing that with us. 🙂

      Reply

    • Gwen Porter
      October 9, 2022

      Try us g smoked sausage sliced thin instead of bacon. Delicious

      Reply

  • Lily
    August 13, 2022

    What would be great substitute for bacon in this recipe? No one eats bacon in our family. Tx

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 13, 2022

      Hi Lily! I have not tested an alternative for bacon. It really gives this recipe great flavor! would they eat turkey bacon? Or you could possibly try Pancetta.

      Reply

  • Christina Tk
    July 31, 2022

    I have been making this soup for couple of years now, and my family still cant get over how good it turns out. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 31, 2022

      You’re so welcome, good to know that this recipe is your is one of the favorite recipes of your family!

      Reply

  • Greg
    June 12, 2022

    I just made this incredible soup. My mom always rinsed the sauerkraut so I followed your recipe closely. This is a winner and I will make it again for sure

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 12, 2022

      Nice to know that, Greg! Thanks a lot for the review and feedback. I’m so glad you loved the recipe.

      Reply

  • Sue Christopher
    March 10, 2022

    Hello, my Ukrainian partner asked me to make saurkraut soup so I listened to a few Ukrainian friends recipes. They all call for undrained jarred saurkraut as it all adds to the ‘saur’ taste. I see your recipe calls for triple rinsed saurkraut.
    I’m going to assume there are many different ways/recipes for this unique Ukrainian comfort soup.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 11, 2022

      I hope you try this recipe soon, Sue!

      Reply

  • Sean
    February 28, 2022

    Making this today for the 3rd time today. It’s just sooo good.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 28, 2022

      Hi Sean, great to know that you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Henry
    December 30, 2021

    great recipe – very hearty and filling. i’ve just made my first batch of Sauerkraut and i love making soups so this ticked all the boxes. i used three thick smoked bacon rashers, will add a bit more next time i cook it to increase the meaty flavour. my Sauerkraut has barely started to ferment so i’m keen to try this again when it’s had a good two weeks. really pleased with my first attempt though, thanks Natasha 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 30, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Henry! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • janet
    December 4, 2021

    I started making this recipe yesterday and am still making it today. There’s no way 15 min. could dice everything, cut up, and do the bacon in one day. I’m almost done with the recipe today @ 3:35 the next day & still have to finish.
    Hope this tastes as good as I put into it.
    Too much trouble for me and won’t be making it again.

    Reply

  • Leslie
    November 29, 2021

    Hello Natasha: Do you think the Sauerkraut Soup would freeze well?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 29, 2021

      Hi Leslie, I honestly haven’t tried freezing this soup so I’m not sure if the sauerkraut would change or lose that nice tang that we love.

      Reply

      • James Brischke
        October 23, 2022

        I make my own sauerkraut and I freeze it when it’s finished. Homemade sauerkraut is loaded with probiotics and canning your product kills them, while freezing it preserves them. The big plus is that freezing doesn’t make the kraut turn to mush.I think this soup would freeze just fine.BTW, Andrea’s Keller restaurant in Leavenworth, WA serves a winekraut soup that is most excellent. I’ve been trying to crack the recipe for years. 🙂

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          October 24, 2022

          Thanks a lot for sharing, Jamies! I would love to try that next time.

          Reply

  • Cathy
    November 16, 2021

    Delicious way to use our homemade sauerkraut. I wanted to lighten it up a bit, and had cooked pork chops, side pork and potatoes on hand, so I cut them up and added to the fresh ingredients at the end. Seasoned with Bay leaf, thyme, salt and pepper. Will definitely make it again. Would like to try as written. I’m sure it is tasty.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 17, 2021

      Thanks for sharing that with us, Cathy. Please share with us how it goes if you try it exactly as written next time.

      Reply

  • Barbara J Wiseman
    April 5, 2021

    Natasha, would you have a recipe for ham and bean soup using a ham bone? I can’t find any in your recipe’s .

    Reply

  • Annie
    March 26, 2021

    Absolutely delicious soup, and just different enough from any other soup I’ve made to put it into regular rotation! Plus it’s healthy.
    Highly recommend using raw organic kraut for this.
    Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 26, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Annie! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Steve Repa
    February 27, 2021

    Can one add some buckwheat instead of the quinoa ?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 27, 2021

      Hi Steve, I haven’t tested that, but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

  • LT
    February 25, 2021

    Natalia, you have the best food blog, everything I made is delicious. Wishing you only the best for all your hard work! Love from Canada(originally from Kiev, Ukraine)

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 25, 2021

      Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

      Reply

  • Vickie Ervin
    February 10, 2021

    This soup is delicious. We absolutely LOVED it. I didn’t know what to expect, but I’ve made it several times now and it’s a definite keeper!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 10, 2021

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.