Schwarzsauer - German-style Sour Soup

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g (1.1 lb) sauerkraut, drained and rinsed 500g (1.1 lb) sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 liter (4 cups) beef broth 1 liter (4 cups) beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the sauerkraut, caraway seeds, bay leaf, and paprika to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Return the browned beef stew meat to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sauerkraut — Rinse the sauerkraut before using to reduce its sourness if desired.
• Caraway seeds — Toast the caraway seeds in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their flavor before adding them to the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can use bone-in beef stew meat instead of cubed beef.
• Adjust the sourness of the soup by rinsing the sauerkraut more or less before adding it to the pot.
• Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

Serving advice

Serve the Schwarzsauer soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with crusty bread or pretzels for a complete German dining experience.

Presentation advice

Present the Schwarzsauer soup in rustic bowls, allowing the vibrant colors of the sauerkraut and beef to shine through. Sprinkle some paprika on top for an extra pop of color.