Sauerkraut Soup

If using raw ribs or other raw meat, preboil it and rinse it clean.

Bring the sauerkraut and its juice to a boil with cold water, then drain to mellow the sharpness.

Return the kraut to the soup pot with 5 to 6 cups water, bay leaf, caraway seed, and the ham bone or ribs.

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer about 2 hours.

Add potatoes and cook until tender, then thicken lightly with flour mixed with water and season with salt and pepper.