• Home
  • About Rebecca
  • SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER
  • @RebeccaOver60 on YouTube
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Me

Baby Boomster

Active Women Over 50

Shop with me - My product recommendations

  • Recipes
  • Travel Planning for Seniors
  • Old Lady Product Reviews
  • Visit My Amazon Storefront
You are here: Home / Senior Women Travel / World Travel for Baby Boomers / Poland / Polish Sauerkraut Soup Recipe: And Trip to Kraków
Privacy Policy This post may contain Amazon and other affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Polish Sauerkraut Soup Recipe: And Trip to Kraków

by Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski 24 Comments

If you’re visiting Poland, you’ll no doubt find a restaurant that serves Polish sauerkraut soup. I’m a big fan of sauerkraut so that’s why I love it and it’s incredibly good for your gut. If it isn’t your thing I totally understand, but if it is, you’ll love the recipe below.

Enjoy this recipe!

Polish Sauerkraut Soup

Polish Sauerkraut Soup

Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski
Polish sauerkraut soup can be made with bits of smoked meat and bacon or strictly vegetarian. It’s your preference.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Soup
Cuisine Polish

Ingredients
  

Broth

  • 2 lb small rib pieces of pork fat trimmed
  • Water
  • 2 carrots
  • 1 onion with peel
  • 2 ribs celery
  • Sprig of parsley
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Soup

  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cups of sliced brown mushrooms dried imported wild mushrooms are even better – soak 20-30 mins and then and boil them in a small amount of water before adding them to the soup
  • 4 cloves of garlic minced
  • 2 lbs of fermented sauerkraut German sauerkraut is the best drained.
  • 2 cups of boiled and sliced potatoes Since they will simmer in the soup they don’t need to be completely done
  • 6 strips of bacon optional or substitute 1-2 Tbsp of olive oil
  • 1/2 of a 2 foot smoked Kielbasa sausage cubed optional
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp of ground allspice

Instructions
 

Broth

  • Brown the small rib pieces of pork.
  • Add the rib pieces to a large saucepan and cover with water.
  • Add 2 carrots, 1 unpeeled onion, 2 stalks of celery, parsley, salt and pepper to taste
  • Bring to a boil and simmer for several hours.
  • After the broth has cooled put it through a sieve and set aside.
  • (if you don’t want to make homemade broth, use 48 oz store-bought meat or vegetable broth.

Soup

  • Fry the bacon strips in a skillet until the bacon is crispy. Remove the bacon and set them on paper towels. Leave the drippings in the skillet. (If you prefer not to use bacon, simply heat the olive oil in the skillet instead)
  • When the bacon is cool chop it into bacon bits.
  • Saute the onions, mushrooms, and sauerkraut until the onions are translucent.
  • Add the garlic and saute for about 1 minute
  • Take the onions, mushrooms, sauerkraut and garlic off the heat and set the mixture aside.
  • Add the broth, allspice, and pepper
  • Add the boiled and sliced potatoes
  • Add the Kielbasa and bacon bits (or leave out if you prefer vegetarian)
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook on low for about 30 minutes or more.
  • Lastly, add the onions, mushrooms, sauerkraut, and garlic back into the pot and cook until heated.

Notes

I didn’t use salt because the sauerkraut is fairly salty. Taste before you salt.
Also, I originally added a sprinking of caraway seeds but was told that caraway was more Czech than Polish. However, according to a reader, caraway helps cut the gas. Add it if you like. I personally love it.

The inspiration for this recipe started with an organ concert in Kraków, Poland

While we were in Poland we spent two nights in Kraków.  We were looking for things to do so I went on the Internet. My companion was a huge organ aficionado and he was thrilled when I found a free organ concert that was taking place that evening at the Kraków Academy of Music.

Find a local guide in Kraków, Poland, here.

The Kraków Academy of Music was founded in 1888 and is located just outside the old medieval city gates and within walking distance of our hotel.

Students of the Kraków Academy of Music with organ. Kraków, Poland
Students of the Kraków Academy of Music with organ

Kraków is a hauntingly beautiful and huge medieval city with a perfectly intact Old Town Square and one of the largest in Europe. It survived WWII although it was on the brink of being blown up. If you ever get a chance to visit, you will be awestruck at its beauty. Poland is also an affordable city to visit because its currency is not on the Euro.

Our pre-concert snack

We arrived too early for the concert and decided to walk and find someplace to get a snack. We found a pub nearby called “The Dog in the Fog.” It looked cozy and rustic. Because it was winter, we thought it would be a nice place to warm up. Who could resist a pub named for a dog?

Kraków, Poland
Rebecca in front of the Dog in the Fog Pub

The pub was popular with students attending schools near the old town square. We sat down to have a glass of beer and I ordered a bowl of authentic Polish Sauerkraut soup which turned out to be a tantalizing concoction of sauerkraut, potatoes, and sausage. I vowed to find a way to replicate it and I think I did a pretty good job in the recipe above.

Music is a universal language

After we ate, we headed back to the Academy of Music to listen to the concert. No one spoke English so we couldn’t understand a word they were saying, but that didn’t matter because the talented students of the Academy performed beautifully. It was a delightful way to spend the evening and immerse ourselves in the local culture.

Old Kraków is not to be missed if you’re in Poland

Dating back to the 7th century, Old Town Kraków is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of Poland’s prestigious artists and academics got their start there. It’s also where archbishop Karol Wojtyła was elevated to Pope of the Catholic Church. The Jagiellonian University is the oldest in Poland and is located in Kraków. It was founded in 1364 by Casimir the Great.

The entire city is filled with history and culture. Walking through the old streets makes you wonder what is behind the magnificent doors that you will see in the old city center.

We hired a local guide who took us on a walking tour of the city, including Wawel Castle which was built in the 14th century.

Kraków, Poland
The Square and Church of the Virgin Mary Basilica in the old city of Kraków

It is also a city of immense tragedy

We visited Kazimierz near the city center. It is Kraków’s historic Jewish area and became a Jewish ghetto during WWII. The factory of Oskar Schindler (now a museum), a 16th century synagogue, and the Remuh Cemetery are located there.

Kazimierz, in Kraków, Poland - the historic Jewish section.
Kazimierz

Kazimierz is now a vibrant mix of cafes, bars, and shops. One bar called Hevre Cafe is set inside an old synagogue, which is controversial for good reason. You can visit Muzeum Zydowskie, (Galacia Jewish Museum) that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust and Jewish culture.

Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is about 1 hour from Kraków and you can take a tour of it.

More photos from Krakow, Poland

Click on images to view full-size.

Baby Boomer Travel | Krakow, Poland | Street Signs
Street Signs – Krakow
Baby Boomer Travel | Krakow Poland | Bridge - Pijarski Street
Bridge over Pijarski Street – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
Piotr Skrzynecki statue Vis a Vis Cafe – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
Market Square with carriages – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
Eros Bendato head sculpture – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
Market Square – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
The Dominican Church – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
Wall of Art – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
Rebecca in Old Town Krakow with some street musicians.
Krakow, Poland
Street Performer – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
Kabob Stand – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
Sukiennice – Cloth Hall – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
Altar – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
Hotel Polski – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
Hotel Francuskii – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
Bukowski the Bear – Krakow
Krakow, Poland
Blue bus and blue woman – Krakow

Check here for the best things to do in Krakow.

Have you ever tried Polish sauerkraut soup? Please leave a comment below.

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn

Filed Under: Poland, Soup Tagged With: Baby Boomer Travel, Europe, International Cuisine, music, recipe, restaurant, soup

Join my newsletter and receive new posts weekly

About Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski

Rebecca Olkowski is a travel/lifestyle blogger and founder of BabyBoomster.com, for active older women over 50. She is a purveyor of all things fun, loves to venture out in the world, is a foodie, and lives in Los Angeles.

Comments

  1. Biz says

    October 20, 2014 at 12:04 pm

    Holy balls, I love sauerkraut! Cannot wait to give this one a try. 😀

    Reply
  2. Lynn OlkowsKi Kenneally says

    October 2, 2016 at 8:58 am

    Rebecca was looking for a good kraut soup recipie gonna try this… How funny my maiden name is Olkowski!….. We’re from around Pittsburgh pa but lots of my grandmas relative settled in Chicago….

    Reply
    • Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says

      October 2, 2016 at 12:36 pm

      I hope you enjoy it, Lynn. My late husband was Olkowski and they came from Hamtramck, Michigan. (another Polish enclave)

      Reply
  3. Scott says

    December 3, 2016 at 10:13 am

    I have been making saurkraut soup my entire adult life it is a Christmas dinner tradition started by my grandmother. My friends say gross and then after trying it is wow this is great.this is very close to my recipe but do yourself a favor and use dried imported wild mushrooms it takes the soup to next level.

    Reply
    • Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says

      December 3, 2016 at 1:16 pm

      Thanks, Scott. What a great suggestion about the mushrooms. I’ll have to try it. I didn’t include it because I didn’t know if people would have access to them, but I would love to try it myself. Thanks so much for the feedback.

      Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    July 22, 2017 at 4:27 am

    My sauerkraut comes in a jar. Can I add the entire thing or am I suppose to drain the liquid first?

    I just got back from a trip to Poland, Czech Republic, Austria and Germany. I had the most amazing “sour soup” in Krakow. I can’t wait to try your recipe tonight!!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says

      July 22, 2017 at 8:12 am

      How exciting that you were in Poland! isn’t Krakow amazing? Thanks for pointing out that I didn’t mention draining the liquid. I would drain it because otherwise, it may be too salty. I hope you enjoyed your trip. I loved the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany as well.

      Reply
  5. Francisca says

    November 16, 2017 at 1:10 pm

    I made this and I really enjoyed cooking it. It came out very nice and everyone, even my 7 year old that don’t like anything ask for seconds.

    Reply
    • Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says

      July 17, 2018 at 2:21 pm

      Sorry to answer this so late, Francisca. I just saw it. I’m so glad you and your 7-year old enjoyed the recipe.

      Reply
  6. Helena Novak says

    November 20, 2017 at 7:06 am

    Thanks very much for the Great information and pictures!!
    Love it..shared with my two polish friends and I’m busy this morning making the soup.
    Added dried polish mushrooms and cracked all spice…making my own chicken stock ..?
    So Happy that you lived Krakow.
    I lived there 2 years before arriving to USA in 76..

    Reply
    • Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says

      May 25, 2018 at 1:07 pm

      So sorry I didn’t answer this sooner but just saw it.. The dried Polish mushrooms and allspice sound amazing. And, I’m sure you would know. Loved Krakow! I’d love to go back.

      Reply
  7. Miranda says

    May 25, 2018 at 12:40 pm

    This looks amazing! I can’t wait to try it!! Have you thought about making it spicy?

    Reply
    • Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says

      May 25, 2018 at 1:07 pm

      Thanks, for the idea, Miranda. I’m kind of sensitive to too much spice but you can always add it in.

      Reply
  8. Miranda says

    May 25, 2018 at 12:41 pm

    Have you thought about making it spicy?

    Reply
  9. Phyllis Kurzeja Marakovits says

    July 17, 2018 at 12:30 pm

    My grandparents joseph and Mary Kurzeja were from Krakow, to the best of my knowledge. My Father didn’t like mushrooms so my dear mother, Pennsylvania Deutsch, substituted Lima beans and made it with the pork, leftover from pork and sauerkraut. She added broth which may have been chicken broth. I loved it. My family loves mushrooms..I will try receive.. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says

      July 17, 2018 at 2:23 pm

      Thanks, for the great substitution idea, Phyllis. I’m a big fan of mushrooms but not everyone is. So good to know.

      Reply
  10. Michelle says

    September 20, 2018 at 9:30 am

    I’m looking forward to making some sauerkraut soup today with leftovers from our homemade kielbasa. Using the leftover kapusta too. Your recipe sounds so much like what my mom makes except she has no recipe. She just throws it all in the pot. You’ve made my day. I can’t stop smiling ?.

    Reply
    • Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says

      September 20, 2018 at 9:50 am

      That’s so exciting that I’ve made your day, Michelle. Thanks for letting me know and I hope you enjoy the soup.

      Reply
  11. Carol Cassara says

    December 15, 2019 at 2:09 pm

    I am not a big kraut fan, but this does sound delish!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says

      December 16, 2019 at 7:56 am

      It’s very flavorful but I certainly understand if you aren’t into Kraut, Carol. LOL

      Reply
  12. Laurie Stone says

    December 16, 2019 at 6:29 am

    OMG! That looks so good, especially on a cold, winter day. Love the pictures!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says

      December 16, 2019 at 7:55 am

      Thanks, Laurie. It will keep you warm and your tummy healthy.

      Reply
  13. Katarzyna Iwanczyk says

    December 16, 2019 at 9:32 am

    Although your recipe is pretty close to the real thing, you are still missing some essential parts. Other than using canned broth, try browning some small rib pieces of pork( fat trimmed) and using that to make broth. Sauerkraut should be cooked in a pan with the onions and mushrooms, and added to the soup last, as acidity of it will prevent the potatoes ( and other veggies if added) from becoming tender. Dried mushrooms should be soaked and boiled in a small amount of water, which is then added to the soup. Adding caraway seeds is more of a Czech than Polish thing as well, as they substantially impact the flavour.

    Reply
    • Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says

      December 16, 2019 at 4:24 pm

      Thanks, so much Katarzyna. I appreciate the tweaks and the info about the caraway seeds. It’s so great to have input from someone who knows. I will make the changes as soon as I can. I’m always open to make things better and more authentic.

      Reply

Leave a comment and tell us what you think Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Contact Info

  • About Baby Boomster
  • Send a message
  • Media Kit
  • Writer’s Guidelines

…………………………………………..

Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski
rebecca@babyboomster.com
Los Angeles,  CA 91001

Honors and Awards

Top 100 Baby Boomer blogs

Intellifluence Trusted Blogger

Search for a topic

Legal Stuff You Need to Know

  • Disclaimer
  • Disclosure
  • Please read my Privacy and Cookie Policy

Amazon Program Info

Rebecca Olkowski is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program, and the Amazon Influencer Program. She earns commissions from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Other affiliations are listed HERE.

INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN |  PINTEREST |  THREADS |  YOUTUBE |  FACEBOOK |  AMAZON


BabyBoomster.com is a travel, fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle blog for Baby Boomer women over 50. | Los Angeles, California

Copyright Ⓒ 2025  | BabyBoomster.com  |  All Rights Reserved

Privacy and Cookie Policy