Contents
Česnečka is a traditional Czech garlic soup known for its warming and healing properties. Simple to prepare, it combines aromatic broth, tender potatoes, crispy croutons, and a bold garlic flavor. Perfect for cold days, restoring strength after an illness, or as a comforting remedy after celebrations.
Ingredients
- 6-8 cloves of garlic minced or sliced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 4-5 medium potatoes diced
- 1.5 liters chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp oil for frying
- 2-3 slices of stale bread (cubed) or ½ cup of croutons
- 1 egg optional, for poaching in the soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- 1 tsp lemon juice optional, for a slight tang
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Peel and finely chop the garlic and onion. Dice the potatoes into small cubes.
- Heat the broth: In a large pot, bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and fry for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the simmering broth. Let them cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the croutons: While the potatoes are cooking, cut the stale bread into cubes and fry them in a pan with a little oil or butter until golden and crispy. Alternatively, use store-bought croutons.
- Poach the egg (optional): If using an egg, gently crack it into the simmering soup towards the end of cooking. Let it poach for 3-4 minutes until the egg whites are set but the yolk remains soft.
- Season the soup: Add salt, pepper, marjoram, and lemon juice (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with crispy croutons, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and add the poached egg (if included). Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
🥣 Česnečka – traditional Czech garlic soup
Česnečka 🥣, the beloved Czech garlic soup, is much more than a dish—it’s a symbol of comfort, health, and culinary heritage. With its humble ingredients, this unassuming soup has earned its place as a cherished tradition in the Czech Republic. Known for its ability to soothe, heal, and nourish, česnečka is a true reflection of the strong bond between food, community, and well-being. Whether it's used as a remedy for a cold, a cure for a hangover, or simply enjoyed on a frosty day, česnečka holds a special place in the hearts of Czechs.
🍲 The role of garlic: the heart of česnečka
In Czech cuisine, garlic is a revered ingredient. Its bold flavor and numerous health benefits make it a key component in many dishes. Garlic's presence in česnečka is not merely as a flavoring; it takes center stage, transforming the soup into a powerful healing and comforting experience. The garlic-infused broth is rich and aromatic, offering a perfect balance of pungency and warmth. Every spoonful of the soup carries garlic’s earthy essence, which lingers and comforts in a way that only this humble ingredient can. Garlic's medicinal properties are well-known in Czech culture. It is often consumed raw—sometimes mixed with honey 🍯 and lemon juice 🍋—as a natural remedy for illness. In česnečka, garlic is simmered, softening its sharpness and releasing its full flavor in a smooth, aromatic base that nourishes both body and soul.🍲 The comforting power of česnečka
The true beauty of česnečka lies in its ability to heal and soothe. The rich, garlic-infused broth serves as the heart of the dish, offering both warmth and depth of flavor. It is the perfect antidote to physical exhaustion and emotional fatigue. On a cold winter day, a bowl of česnečka feels like a comforting embrace, while its savory taste provides a sense of satisfaction that only a traditional, home-cooked meal can deliver. The soup’s texture is further enhanced by the addition of crispy, golden croutons 🥖. The crunch of the croutons perfectly complements the smooth, garlicky liquid, making each bite a delightful contrast. A sprinkle of fresh parsley 🌿 on top adds a pop of color and a refreshing note, elevating both the soup’s appearance and its flavor profile. Some variations even feature a poached egg 🥚 in the center, which creates a rich, velvety experience as the creamy yolk mixes with the garlic broth.
Sounds amazing! My grandma used to make something similar, but I never knew it had a name. Definitely trying this Česnečka recipe – six cloves of garlic? Challenge accepted! 😂 Gonna need a whole carton of milk afterwards, though. 😉