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Česnečka (Czech Garlic Soup)

A traditional Czech garlic soup known as Česnečka, featuring a rich broth infused with garlic, potatoes, marjoram, and caraway seeds, often served with crispy rye bread croutons and cheese.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 brown potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 8 cloves garlic, crushed or thinly sliced
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lard or unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, lightly crushed
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 to 4 slices rye bread, cubed (for croutons)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or beef tallow (for croutons)
  • Optional: 3 to 4 ounces cubed cheese (Emmental, Gruyere, or Camembert)
  • Optional: 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Melt lard or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced potatoes and crushed or sliced garlic; sauté until potatoes start to soften and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add chicken broth, dried marjoram, bay leaves, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
  5. While soup simmers, prepare croutons by tossing rye bread cubes with olive oil or beef tallow and toasting until crispy.
  6. Optional: Slowly stir in beaten egg into the hot soup to create egg ribbons.
  7. Remove bay leaves from soup before serving.
  8. Serve soup hot, topped with croutons, cubed cheese, and chopped parsley.

Notes

This soup is traditionally very garlicky and comforting, perfect for cold days or as a hangover remedy. Adjust garlic quantity to taste. Adding cheese and croutons enhances texture and flavor. The egg is optional but adds richness.

  • Author: Sophie Lane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Method: Soup
  • Cuisine: Czech

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg