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
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
Samantha
Very enjoyable morning learning how to make pierogi with a skilled tutor. I would highly recommend.
Samantha
Very enjoyable morning learning how to make pierogi with a skilled tutor. I would highly recommend.
Katie
Marta was an incredible host & cook to our group. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in the art of pierogi making!
Danielle
Marta was absolutely amazing! Had a great time and learnt something new!
Rhyan
Marta is so cool. Pierogi’s were delicious, she also provided borscht and a cooked cabbage salad. Oh and she also baked a cake to share while we were there. All delicious. Class was nicely organized and welcoming. I definitely feel like I have the knowledge and experience to make pierogis at home no...
Marta is so cool. Pierogi’s were delicious, she also provided borscht and a cooked cabbage salad. Oh and she also baked a cake to share while we were there. All delicious. Class was nicely organized and welcoming. I definitely feel like I have the knowledge and experience to make pierogis at home now. Marta knows not only about pierogis but all Polish foods and spoke with us about fermentation. It was a great experience.
Casey
My husband and I had the best time with Marta. I am half Polish and other than my paternal Polish Grandfather, nobody in my entire family cooked. Therefore they didn’t do a very good job of passing down recipes and techniques to me who loves cooking. Our class with Marta was like cooking with my sup...
My husband and I had the best time with Marta. I am half Polish and other than my paternal Polish Grandfather, nobody in my entire family cooked. Therefore they didn’t do a very good job of passing down recipes and techniques to me who loves cooking. Our class with Marta was like cooking with my super cool Polish aunt. She filled so many gaps between myself and my heritage that I can now pass down to any kids I have and that is priceless. She is the so kind, her apartment is so welcoming, and learning from her will forever be a highlight of my life. Thank you Marta!
Casey
My husband and I had the best time with Marta. I am half Polish and other than my paternal Polish Grandfather, nobody in my entire family cooked. Therefore they didn’t do a very good job of passing down recipes and techniques to me who loves cooking. Our class with Marta was like cooking with my sup...
My husband and I had the best time with Marta. I am half Polish and other than my paternal Polish Grandfather, nobody in my entire family cooked. Therefore they didn’t do a very good job of passing down recipes and techniques to me who loves cooking. Our class with Marta was like cooking with my super cool Polish aunt. She filled so many gaps between myself and my heritage that I can now pass down to any kids I have and that is priceless. She is the so kind, her apartment is so welcoming, and learning from her will forever be a highlight of my life. Thank you Marta!
Barbara
Marta was a great teacher! Very generous and kind. Totally recommend this class!
Barbara
Marta was a great teacher! Very generous and kind. Totally recommend this class!
Natasha
Marta creates such a warm and inviting atmosphere and is truly a pro when it comes to pierogi. We had such a fun time chatting with her and learning more about Polish cuisine!!