A steaming bowl of Slovak Kapustnica soup with sauerkraut, smoked sausage, pork, and mushrooms, garnished with sour cream and parsley, served with rustic rye bread on a wooden table.

Slovak Sauerkraut Soup (Kapustnica)

A hearty and traditional Slovak sauerkraut soup (Kapustnica) packed with smoky flavors, tangy sauerkraut, and rich spices. Perfect for Christmas Eve or a comforting winter meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Course Soup
Cuisine Slovak
Servings 8 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 kg (2 lb) sauerkraut, drained 🥬
  • 400 g (7 oz) smoked sausage (klobása), sliced 🌭
  • 500 g (1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed 🥩
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) dried mushrooms 🍄
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped 🧅
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
  • 1 tbsp oil or lard 🥄

Seasonings & Spices:

  • 1 tsp paprika 🌶️
  • ¼ tsp black pepper 🖤
  • ½ tsp caraway seeds 🌱
  • 2 bay leaves 🍃
  • Salt, to taste 🧂

Liquids & Garnish:

  • 2 liters (8 cups) beef or vegetable broth 🥣
  • 100 ml (½ cup) sour cream (optional) 🥛

Instructions
 

Prepare the Mushrooms 🍄

  • Soak dried mushrooms in warm water for 1 hour, then drain and chop.

Sauté the Aromatics 🧅🧄

  • In a large pot, heat oil or lard over medium heat.
  • Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent (3 minutes).
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Brown the Meat & Sausage 🥩

  • Add sliced smoked sausage and cubed pork shoulder to the pot.
  • Brown until the meat gets a rich color.

Add Spices & Sauerkraut 🌿🥬

  • Stir in paprika, black pepper, caraway seeds, and bay leaves.
  • Add drained sauerkraut and chopped mushrooms.

Simmer the Soup 🥣

  • Pour in beef or vegetable broth, bring to a gentle boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Final Adjustments & Serving 🍽️

  • Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  • Optional: Stir in sour cream before serving.
  • Serve hot with rustic rye bread 🍞.

Notes

Step-by-step preparation of traditional Slovak Kapustnica soup
Sauerkraut, the beloved fermented cabbage, is a staple ingredient in many European cuisines. But nowhere does it shine brighter than in Kapustnica – the traditional Slovak sauerkraut soup 🏔️.
This rich, smoky, and slightly tangy soup is a must-have during winter months ❄️, bringing families together around the dining table. Whether you're enjoying it as part of your Christmas Eve feast or on a chilly evening, Kapustnica is pure Slovak comfort food.

🎄 Kapustnica – The Heart of Slovak Christmas Eve Traditions

In Slovakia, Kapustnica holds a special place on the Christmas Eve dinner table. Traditionally, the Christmas version is meatless, following Christian fasting customs before the big holiday feast. Instead of meat, it’s enriched with:
Dried mushrooms 🍄 – adding an earthy depth of flavor.
Dried plums 🍑 – for a hint of natural sweetness and complexity.
Caraway seeds & bay leaves 🌿 – elevating the aromatic profile.
This vegetarian version isn’t just a nod to tradition, but also a testament to the versatility of this beloved dish.

🇸🇰 Kapustnica vs. Polish Kapuśniak – What's the Difference?

Though both Slovak Kapustnica and Polish Kapuśniak celebrate the tangy goodness of sauerkraut, they have key differences:
📌 Occasion:
  • Kapustnica is a classic dish for Slovak Christmas Eve, especially in its meatless form.
  • Kapuśniak is eaten year-round in Poland and isn’t as closely tied to Christmas traditions.
📌 Ingredients:
  • Kapustnica can include dried mushrooms, dried plums, and even wine 🍷.
  • Kapuśniak focuses on meat and sauerkraut, often featuring a tomato base 🍅.
📌 Meat Varieties:
  • Kapustnica often contains smoked sausage (klobása) and pork 🐖.
  • Kapuśniak typically includes pork ribs or other cuts of pork.
📌 Texture & Flavor:
  • Kapustnica is thicker, heartier, and deeply layered with flavors.
  • Kapuśniak is usually lighter and more straightforward in taste.

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Kapustnica

🟢 Can I use fresh cabbage instead of sauerkraut?
➡️ You can, but sauerkraut is key to achieving the signature tangy flavor.
🟢 How long can I store Kapustnica?
➡️ It lasts 4-5 days in the fridge. In fact, it tastes even better the next day!
🟢 Can I freeze Kapustnica?
➡️ Yes! Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
🟢 Is there a vegetarian version?
➡️ Absolutely! The Christmas Eve version is traditionally meat-free, focusing on mushrooms 🍄 and spices.
🟢 How do I balance the sourness of sauerkraut?
➡️ If it’s too sour, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of water. A bit of cream can also mellow out the flavor.

🎬 Final Thoughts

Kapustnica is more than just a soup – it’s a taste of Slovakia’s culinary heritage 🇸🇰. Whether you make the traditional Christmas version or a hearty meaty variation, this dish is guaranteed to warm your soul.
🔥 Ready to bring a taste of Slovakia into your kitchen? Try this authentic Kapustnica recipe and let me know how it turns out! 😊
👉 Love this recipe? Share it with your friends! 💛🍲✨

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Keyword Best Kapustnica recipe, Kapustnica recipe, Slovak holiday food, Slovak sauerkraut soup, Traditional Slovak soup, Winter soup recipe
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