ÄesneÄka 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 Ā½ 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.
- SautƩ 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
š„£ ÄesneÄka ā traditional Czech garlic soup
ÄesneÄka š„£, the beloved Czech garlic soup, is much more than a dishāitās 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, ÄesneÄka 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, ÄesneÄka holds a special place in the hearts of Czechs.
š² The role of garlic: the heart of ÄesneÄka
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 ÄesneÄka 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 garlicās 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 rawāsometimes mixed with honey šÆ and lemon juice šāas a natural remedy for illness. In ÄesneÄka, garlic is simmered, softening its sharpness and releasing its full flavor in a smooth, aromatic base that nourishes both body and soul.š² The comforting power of ÄesneÄka
The true beauty of ÄesneÄka 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 ÄesneÄka feels like a comforting embrace, while its savory taste provides a sense of satisfaction that only a traditional, home-cooked meal can deliver. The soupās texture is further enhanced by the addition of crispy, golden croutons š„. The crunch of the croutons perfectly complements the smooth, garlicky liquid, making each bite a delightful contrast. A sprinkle of fresh parsley šæ on top adds a pop of color and a refreshing note, elevating both the soupās appearance and its flavor profile. Some variations even feature a poached egg š„ in the center, which creates a rich, velvety experience as the creamy yolk mixes with the garlic broth.
šØāš©āš§āš¦ ÄesneÄka: a dish that brings people together
Making ÄesneÄka is not just about preparing foodāit's a practice passed down through generations. This comforting ritual emphasizes the importance of food in bringing people together and nurturing the soul. ÄesneÄka is often prepared quickly after a night of enjoying Czech beer šŗ and slivovice š„ (traditional plum brandy), serving as the ideal remedy for overindulgence. Its rich, hearty nature provides much-needed relief from hangovers and fatigue, offering renewal and comfort in ways that deeply resonate with Czech culture. For Czechs, ÄesneÄka represents much more than nourishmentāit is an opportunity to restore balance, renew energy, and reconnect with tradition. The act of preparing this soup becomes an emotional and spiritual experience, reinforcing the connection between family, heritage, and community.š Nourishing the body and soul
ÄesneÄka is a reminder that food can do more than just satisfy hungerāit can heal, comfort, and revitalize the spirit. This soup is a perfect example of how simple, natural ingredients can come together to offer both physical and emotional renewal. Whether shared with family and friends or enjoyed alone, ÄesneÄka brings a sense of peace and comfort, grounding you in the warmth of Czech tradition and hospitality. In the Czech Republic, making and enjoying ÄesneÄka is an expression of love, tradition, and community. It serves as a testament to the timeless connection between food and healing, a bond that transcends generations and continues to provide comfort and nourishment.More Czech recipes
