Sauerkraut Secrets
We Poles are famous for fermentation! We have been fermenting food here for centuries and, unlike in many other countries, the skills involved are still widely understood, used in homes around the country, and passed down through the generations, with each family having its own tips and tricks. Fermentation is a wonderful and simple method of preserving seasonal produce that creates a whole range of tasty and healthy foods that should be part of every home kitchen. Please come and join me in an online class from my home in Krakow where I look forward to sharing the secrets of successful fermentation with you.
Sauerkraut ('kapusta kiszona' in Polish) is one of the most popular fermented foods in Central and Eastern Europe, super-healthy, delicious to eat on its own, and the basis for a lot of other dishes as well. My online class is suitable both for beginners and those who want to learn about fermentation in more detail. The class will include an introduction to the magical world of fermentation, with an outline about famous fermented favorites such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and brine fermented vegetables. Fermentation (kiszonki in Polish) is “the chemical breakdown of a substance by bacteria, yeasts, or other microorganisms, typically involving effervescence and the giving off of heat”. Ironically, it’s the degeneration of the raw product that takes it from something normal to something rather spectacular. Both super-healthy and delicious, fermented foods are a wonderful addition to everybody's kitchen, and I look forward to introducing you to this life-long and valuable skill.
Ingredients we'll be using
- 1 white cabbage (approx 2 kg)
- 2 carrots
- 2 tbsp rock salt (non-iodised) or kosher salt
Utensils and equipment we'll be using
- kitchen mandoline (or large sharp knife)
Frequently asked questions
About Marta
Hi, I'm a co-founder of Eataway which connects people with home cooks and hosts all around the world. For the last 5 years, I have been teaching people how to cook delicious food at my home, and I also run food workshops such as the Pierogi Power Workshop, Fermentation Workshop and more. Recently I was the host of a big food event for The Krakow Pierogi Festival and Harvest Festival. (I also appear regularly on TV and radio as a guest, discussing subjects related to home cooking, the sharing economy and food tech.) I’ve always enjoyed sharing my knowledge of my beautiful hometown, and more about the art of Polish cuisine, both through the website and with all the wonderful travellers I meet in person.
My grandmother and my mother were great cooks. That means delicious, home-made food freshly-prepared.
Restaurants are great, but sometimes it seems it would be better to enjoy a home-cooked meal with someone who can also tell me a bit more about their experiences, their lives and their cities. So, I’ve decided to do exactly that. I cook for up to 14 people at my home in Krakow and you’re invited. Please join me!
Reviews
Will
I did this class with my sister over Zoom. We were in UK with Marta in Krakow. I was amazed at how this turned out, it tasted just like the sernik we had in Krakow! Great thing to do whilst in lockdown!
Joanna
Absolutely brilliant day! Marta went above and beyond to accommodate us and make us feel welcome. Lots of extra fun and treats. The experience exceeded our expectations. Thank you!
Tobiasz
Pączki 10/10! Smakują potrójnie dobrze: bo smaczne, bo dochód idzie na szczytny cel, bo sam pomagałem przy ich smażeniu :-)
Sam
We had the most amazing time. Marta was an excellent host, with a lovely home, and our group of 'cooks' was lovely. Lots of good conversation about food & Krakow & much more.
Lovely good & wicked vodka!
Sanna
The workshop was great! I was travelling on my own, but Marta made me feel very welcome and it was so nice and cozy to cook and chat in her kitchen. The pierogi were super delicious - way better than at a restaurant. Thank you!
Marek
Great experience as always :)
Alicja
This cooking class with Marta was the highlight of our time in Krakow. She was the consummate hostess, and we had so much fun making pierogi. She even let us try some of her homemade cherry vodka. I would sign up for anything she leads/organizes in a heartbeat.
Alice
We had a brilliant workshop with Marta. She was incredibly insightful, not just about pierogies but about the sights of Krakow as well as hearing a lot of interesting stories. We got to make 3 different types of pierogy and had some coffee and cake with them too so you definitely get your monies worth. Would recommend to anyone coming to Krakow!
Nancy
A great time if you are looking to learn about the authentic food and preparation. It was a small group which was nice. I would do another class with Marta.
Nathan
An absolute highlight of our time in Krakow. Marta was an excellent host and really entertaining. We learned so much from her!