
Sauerkraut has a reputation for being a simple, humble condiment, but this garlic-herb version elevates the whole process into something genuinely exciting. The combination of thinly sliced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf transforms the ferment into something aromatic and complex โ tangy and bright with an almost savory, garden-fresh depth that plain store-bought versions simply can't match. The entire recipe relies on just cabbage, salt, and herbs, so there's nothing hidden to worry about โ no cured meats, no animal-derived brine additives, nothing that would compromise a pork-free kitchen. The technique is pure lacto-fermentation: salt draws moisture from the cabbage, the natural brine submerges everything, and time does the rest. Checking the jars daily and tasting as the sourness develops makes the whole process feel surprisingly hands-on and rewarding. Once it hits that perfect tangy note โ usually somewhere between one and two weeks โ you seal it up and it keeps in the fridge for months, ready to pile onto grain bowls, sandwiches, or a simple plate of roasted vegetables whenever the craving strikes.
Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!
