Skābu Kāpostu Zupa: Traditional Latvian Sauerkraut Soup 🥣🇱🇻
A warming, tangy Latvian soup made from sauerkraut, potatoes, grains, and optional smoked bacon – the perfect winter comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sauerkraut
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- ½ cup barley or buckwheat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or meat broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 100g smoked bacon, chopped
- Optional garnish: sour cream and fresh dill 🌿
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté bacon until crispy (if using). Remove and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in carrots and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add sauerkraut, potatoes, grains, broth, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until grains are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the bacon back in (if used).
- Serve hot with a spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkle of dill. Enjoy! 🥣💚
Notes
Skābu Kāpostu Zupa: Traditional Latvian Sauerkraut Soup 🥣🇱🇻
If you're looking for a dish that warms your soul and connects you with centuries of Baltic tradition, Skābu Kāpostu Zupa—Latvian sauerkraut soup—is exactly what you need. 🥬✨ This hearty, sour, and savory soup is a true staple of Latvian cuisine, cherished for generations and especially popular during the long, cold winters. ❄️ Made with fermented cabbage, root vegetables, grains, and sometimes smoked meats, this dish is not just comforting, it’s packed with probiotics and nutrients. Whether you're enjoying it in a rural home kitchen or at a festive Christmas market in Riga, one thing’s for sure—it’ll leave you satisfied and asking for more.What Is Skābu Kāpostu Zupa?
Skābu Kāpostu Zupa literally means sour cabbage soup. It’s traditionally made with sauerkraut, which gives the dish its distinct tangy flavor. The fermentation process adds depth and natural probiotics, making this soup as gut-friendly as it is delicious. 😋Common Ingredients Include:
- 🥬 Sauerkraut – the star of the dish, rich in flavor and tradition
- 🥔 Potatoes – add body and a creamy contrast
- 🥕 Carrots – a subtle hint of sweetness
- 🌾 Barley or buckwheat – boosts the soup’s heartiness
- 🧅 Onion and garlic – for aromatic depth
- 🥓 Bacon or smoked meats – optional, but highly recommended for an umami kick
- 🍃 Bay leaves, peppercorns – classic seasoning
- 💧 Broth or water – for a warming base
🇱🇻 Latvian cuisine
