If you are new to fermenting just like me, then red cabbage sauerkraut is a great place to start.

Why eat red cabbage?  Flavanoids, which give the cabbage its awesome color, and sulfur compounds, which give the vegetable it’s sharp taste, are both cancer-preventatives. Cabbage is also packed with fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and Vitamin K. When eaten as raw sauerkraut, the cabbage becomes a fantastic source of probiotics, which aid in gut health and contribute to a healthy immune system.

Making the sauerkraut was simple.  All you need is the head of red cabbage, sea salt, a bowl, and a mason jar or some container with a tight-fitting lid.  If you don’t have a lid then use Saran Wrap with a rubber band.

Ingredients:

1. red cabbage

2. sea salt – 1 tablespoon

Instructions:

1. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, but save one or two leaves for later use.

2. Cut the cabbage in quarters.  Thinly slice the cabbage or grate with a food processor or box grater.  You can include the core, if you’d prefer.

3. Place the shredded cabbage in a bowl and sprinkle 1 tablespoon salt over it.  Massage the salt into the cabbage using your (clean) hands.  It will begin to soften and release juices creating its own brine.

4.  Pour the cabbage with its juices into your jar.  Press the cabbage down with your fist or a “kraut pounder” until it’s submerged in its own juices.  I used a wooden spoon because my fist couldn’t fit in the jar.

5. Take the reserved outer leaf and use it to cover the kraut in the jar.  The leaf should be slightly submerged in the juices, but should form a lid of the kraut.

6. Cover your jar tightly and let it sit in and ferment at room temperature for 3 days, or until it smells ready.

Enjoy on top of tacos, brisket, sandwiches, or with chopped apples for a delicious salad.

Sources: SFGate.com, RealFoodKosher.com