Sauerkraut Soup

Recipe for sauerkraut soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 pound kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream and fresh dill for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion in a bit of oil until it becomes translucent.
2. Add the garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in the sauerkraut, caraway seeds, paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, and diced tomatoes (including the juice). Bring the soup to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the sliced kielbasa or smoked sausage. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Serve the sauerkraut soup hot, optionally garnished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste. Sauerkraut soup is hearty and flavorful, making it a comforting dish, especially during colder months.