Sauerkraut is best known as a traditional German and Czech food. It is a common feature of most traditional Northern, Central and Eastern European cuisines. And it is popular in parts of China and North and South America as well.

Sauerkraut is a healthy food that offers an abundance of vitamin C, healthful lactobacilli, and other nutrients without artificial preservatives. The benefits are so compelling that sailors started carrying sauerkraut hundreds of years ago on long sea voyages. They found that eating sauerkraut prevented the debilitating effects of scurvy.

Try this quick and easy dish for lunch or supper. It’s healthy and well-balanced. It’s filling. And it’s very tasty!

Sauerkraut with Beans and Sausage

1 jar or can sauerkraut, drained
1 can French-style green beans, drained
8 oz turkey smoked sausage, diced
1 Tbs sugar substitute
1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)

Put all ingredients into a saucepan.
Heat gently until very hot, stirring often.
Serve in bowls, with a slice of bread and a pickle.

3 servings

And try this for dessert…

Cinnamon Pears

3 Bartlett pears, peeled and diced
1/4 tsp lemon juice
1 Tbs sugar substitute
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup plain yogurt

Put pears in a bowl.
Sprinkle with lemon juice, and toss to mix.
Add sugar substitute and cinnamon, and toss to mix.
Serve in bowls, topped with yogurt.

3 servings

Note: If you are not used to eating acidic foods, you may want to start with small amounts of sauerkraut until your digestive system adjusts.