Slovak Sauerkraut Christmas Soup

This Slovak sauerkraut soup made with mildly spiced sausage, smoked ham, and sweet prunes is often served at Christmas.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr 5 mins
• Total Time: 2 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 386 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• salt to taste
• 6 black peppercorns
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons sweet Hungarian paprika
• 4 large bay leaves
• 1 (32 ounce) package sauerkraut, chopped
• 2 cups dried forest mushroom blend
• 0.75 cup chopped pitted prunes
• 2.5 quarts chicken broth
• 0.75 pound Hungarian style dry paprika sausage
• 0.75 pound smoked ham

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine broth, sauerkraut, dried mushrooms, peppercorns, bay leaves, and salt in a large stockpot over medium heat; bring to a boil. Add whole sausage links and ham slice; simmer for 1 hour. Add prunes and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Transfer sausage and ham to a plate. Remove and discard bay leaves.

Step 3

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour and paprika over onion; cook and stir for 1 minute. Gradually add water and stir with a fork until no lumps remain. Bring to a boil, then cook until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 4

Meanwhile, cut sausage and ham into cubes.

Step 5

Pour thickened liquid into the stockpot, then stir in sausage and ham. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 6

Ladle into bowls and top each with a dollop of sour cream.