Sprout ’kraut

Method

1. Discard any damaged or discoloured leaves from the sprouts, then wash them well. Drain thoroughly, finely shred, then transfer to a large bowl. Sprinkle with the sea salt flakes, then scrunch and squeeze the leaves using your hands for 5 minutes (use plastic gloves if you have sensitive skin). This releases the moisture from the leaves (encouraged by the salt) and provides the fermenting liquid. Cover and leave at room temperature for 30 minutes to let the salt get to work.
2. Roughly grind the pink peppercorns, mix them into the sprouts, then transfer the mixture to your sterilised jar, including all the liquid that’s accumulated. Pack the leaves down tightly. Ideally, the liquid should be higher than the leaves to protect the ’kraut from oxygen, but after a couple of days the leaves should have wilted and sunk below the liquid naturally so don’t worry too much at this stage. Cover the top with a circle of baking paper, then close the lid and leave at room temperature. The hotter the room, the quicker the fermentation process – if the ’kraut is left in a cold pantry, it will take longer to ferment.
3. After a few days, you should see little bubbles – this shows the fermentation is working and the jar needs ‘burping’ to allow built-up gas to escape. Briefly open, then reseal the jar every few days. The ’kraut is ready to eat from 2 weeks but, if left, the flavour will continue to develop so taste as you go. Once you’re happy with the flavour, store the ’kraut in the fridge to prevent further fermentation.
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