Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: No cooking involved

Servings: 4 Servings

Sauerkraut in German, literally means "sour cabbage. It is finely cut raw cabbage that has been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria. It has a long shelf life and a distinctive sour flavor, both of which result from the lactic acid formed when the bacteria ferment the sugars in the cabbage leaves.

Pickled cabbage is a way to introduce probiotics into our gut. Probiotics help to improve the gut flora by introducing good bacteria that help in better digestion, absorption and assimilation.

Ingredients

• Cabbage: 2 cups(shredded)
• Carrots: ½ cup(shredded)
• Garlic: 4 cloves
• Ginger: 2 inch piece(Juliennes)
• Chilli flakes: 2 tsp
• Rock salt: 1 tbsp

Method

• Remove the outer leaves and reserve. Cut cabbage to remove the thick core. Reserve the core.
• In a large bowl place the shredded cabbage , Juliennes of carrot and ginger with salt. And allow to sit for 10 minutes.
• The salt will break down the cell walls and allow the veggies to release water.
• Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Press and massage with your hands to help the veggies release more juices.
• Pack the mixture into a glass jar and press down to allow the liquid to rise up to the top.
• Place the reserved outer leaf on top of the mixture so as to form a cover. Place the core on top of that. When the jar closes the core should press the contents down so that they are covered by the juices.
• If that doesn’t happen, then use a piece of carrot to keep the contents submerged.
• Ensure an inch of space at the top of the jar.
• Place the jar in a warm place. Allow fermentation for a week.
• Release the gases building up in the jar many times every day.
• Taste the cabbage to see if it has arrived at the required sourness you like.
• Once ready, remove the carrot piece/cabbage core and cabbage leaf and store in refrigerator for months.

Eating guide

• Food group, vegetable-based fermented foods.
• Can be served with meals.
• Pickled vegetables to pizza toppings or sandwiches. 

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