Ingredients

  • 1 gallon chicken broth
  • 4 small bay leaves
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained, reserve 1/4 cup juice
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup flour
  • 14 lb chopped corned beef
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 cup sour cream

Method

  • Heat broth to simmer.
  • Add bay leaf.
  • Add sauerkraut and sauerkraut juice.
  • Cook 30 minutes.
  • Remove sauerkraut and set aside.
  • Return liquid to boil, then add milk.
  • In small saucepan, melt butter.
  • Add flour and cook about 2 minutes, whisking frequently to create a roux.
  • Gradually add roux to pot to thicken soup, stirring with wooden spoon.
  • Soup should very thick and creamy.
  • Return reserved sauerkraut to pot.
  • Add corned beef and pepper.
  • Stir in sour cream.
  • Remove bay leaves.
  • Makes 10 large servings.