
Tangy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, this fermented cabbage gets an herby upgrade from fresh thyme, rosemary, garlic, and a single bay leaf โ a combination that makes every forkful feel a little more special than the jarred stuff. The whole process relies on nothing but cabbage, sea salt, and time, which is exactly why it works so well for anyone avoiding carrageenan and other additives that sneak into commercial fermented foods. Store-bought sauerkraut is one of those products where the ingredient list can quietly include stabilizers, preservatives, or thickeners โ making homemade the far safer and honestly far tastier choice. Massaging the salt into the shredded cabbage draws out its natural juices, creating the brine that does all the fermentation work without any outside help. Packing the mixture into mason jars and letting it sit at room temperature for a week or two is low-effort in the best possible way โ a few minutes of daily checking is all it takes. The garlic mellows beautifully as it ferments alongside the herbs, giving the finished kraut a savory depth that pairs with everything from sausages to grain bowls to a simple fried egg. Once it hits your preferred level of sourness, it keeps in the fridge for up to three months โ assuming it lasts that long.
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Learn more โ8 servings



Remove 2โ3 outer leaves from the cabbage and set them aside. Quarter the cabbage, remove the core, and shred it as thinly as possible โ about 1/8-inch ribbons โ using a chef's knife or mandoline.
Weigh the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl. Add the sea salt at a ratio of 1.5โ2% of the cabbage's weight (the 1 tbsp listed is calibrated for 2 lb / 900 g of cabbage). Toss well, then massage and squeeze the cabbage firmly with clean hands for 8โ10 minutes, until it releases a significant amount of liquid and the shreds become limp and translucent.
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