Curried Caulikraut is a vibrant twist on the classic sauerkraut — combining cauliflower, carrots, and aromatic Indian spices for a tangy, mildly spiced ferment. Packed with probiotics and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect fusion of traditional fermentation and warm, earthy curry notes. Enjoy it as a side, salad topping, or zesty condiment with everyday meals.
Ingredients (for a 1L Fermentation Jar)
- 500–700 g cauliflower (1 head), cut into thin florets
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 spring onion, sliced
- Juice of 1 orange
- 20 g sea salt (1 tbsp)
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp coriander seeds
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop the cauliflower into small florets. Shred the carrots and slice the spring onion. -
Roast the Spices
In a small pan, lightly roast the mustard, coriander, and cumin seeds until fragrant. Let them cool completely before using. -
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cauliflower, carrots, spring onion, roasted spices, orange juice, and salt. Toss well and let rest for 30 minutes to allow the vegetables to release moisture. Massage gently for a few minutes until the mixture softens. Pack the mixture into the jar, pressing down to remove air pockets. Place a glass weight on top to keep everything submerged. Leave at least 2 inches of headspace in the jar to allow gases to expand during fermentation. -
Seal with an Airlock
Close the jar with a grommet lid. Fill the airlock halfway with water so gases can escape while keeping contaminants out. -
Ferment
Keep the jar in a warm, shaded spot (around 25°C / 77°F) for about 4 days. -
Check Daily
Make sure the vegetables stay submerged, pressing down gently if needed. Begin tasting from Day 4 — it should be pleasantly tangy with a hint of spice. -
Store and Enjoy
Once it reaches your desired sourness, remove the glass weight and airlock, replace with a storage lid, and refrigerate. Curried Caulikraut will keep for up to 10 months.
Tips & Notes
- Spice Depth: Lightly roasting the spices enhances aroma without overpowering.
- Headspace: Always leave 2 inches to prevent overflow.
- Airlock Lid: Keeps oxygen out and lets CO₂ escape safely.
- Fermentation Time: Adjust to taste — longer ferments yield more tang.
- Storage: Flavor continues to develop in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
A colorful, spiced ferment that brings together the crunch of cauliflower and the warmth of curry spices. Curried Caulikraut adds life to any meal — a true probiotic treat with an Indian twist!
