1,32 ounce jarSauerkraut, no sugar added ( We use Claussen.)
1Small head of green cabbage,shredded
1Bay leaf
5-6Whole peppercorns
1LargeOnion,sliced
2Sticks of celery
2Carrots,sliced
3ClovesGarlic,minced
Salt to taste
Pinch of red hot pepper flakes,optional
1,16 ounce packageKielbasisliced and quartered (optional)(Use as much or as little as you like)
Instructions
Fill a large stock pot with about 8-10 cups of water. Bring to a boil and add spareribs. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. If any foam forms on surface, skim it off then add sauerkraut and cook for another 30 minutes.
Add onion, celery sticks, carrots, garlic, bay leaf, crushed red pepper flakes, peppercorns and shredded cabbage. Cook for another 30 minutes longer.
Remove ribs at this point and cut meat from the bone. Shred or cut meat into bite sized pieces and put back into soup. Discard bones.
* If you are using kielbasi, add it in at about the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
*Add salt to taste at this point. If you are using the kielbasi it will already add a bit of salt to the soup so taste before you add.
* If soup taste too sour you may add a pinch of sugar at the end. Sometimes this can vary depending on the type of sauerkraut you purchase.