Bowl of Neck Bone Sauerkraut Soup topped with fresh herbs and spices.

Why Make This Recipe

Neck Bone Sauerkraut Soup is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of pork with the tangy taste of sauerkraut. It’s a hearty meal that warms you up on cold days and is easy to prepare. This recipe is great for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Using simple ingredients, it highlights the beauty of rustic cooking while being budget-friendly.

How to Make Neck Bone Sauerkraut Soup

Ingredients:

2 pounds pork neck bones
1 can (24 oz) sauerkraut, drained
4 cups water or chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, cubed
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Bacon or smoked pork (optional, as a substitute)

Directions:

In a large pot, add the neck bones and water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes.
Stir in the drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds (if using).
Simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Remove the neck bones, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot.

How to Serve Neck Bone Sauerkraut Soup

You can enjoy this soup on its own or serve it with some crusty bread. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. This dish pairs well with mustard on the side, which enhances its flavors beautifully.

How to Store Neck Bone Sauerkraut Soup

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Neck Bone Sauerkraut Soup

For a richer flavor, you can brown the neck bones in the pot before adding the broth.
Adjust the amount of sauerkraut to your taste. If you love the tanginess, feel free to add more.
If you have leftover smoked pork, you can add it for extra flavor.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or using different types of meat, such as ham or beef shank, for varying flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh sauerkraut instead of canned?
Yes, fresh sauerkraut works great! Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the soup.

2. What if I don’t have neck bones?
If neck bones aren’t available, you can use other pork cuts like shanks or even smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just follow the same steps and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender.