Česnečka (Czech Garlic Soup)
Ah, the mighty soup! Czechs believe that garlic soup, aka česnečka, is the perfect cure for, well, almost anything – be it the ordinary cold, a hangover or just the blues.
Garlic has gained its reputation as a virus buster thanks to one of its chemical constituents, allicin, which is why this dish packs such a powerful punch. The soup is super tasty and is not as garlicky as you might think. Roasting the garlic first makes its flavor more mellow and sweet.
Czech cuisine uses garlic in any form and amount. Some people even swear by garlic as a prevention against any sort of illness and consume it raw or even mixed with honey and lemon juice! But back to the soup. This one will surely put you back on your feet after a long night in the company of delicious Czech beer or slivovice.
Česnečka (Garlic Soup)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp lard or butter
- 1 small onion
- 6 cloves of garlic peeled and sliced
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 large potatoes peeled and coarsely chopped (½ inch thick)
- dried marjoram
- salt
- pepper
- a few sprigs continental parsley to garnish the soup
- bay leaves
- 3 cloves of garlic optional, crushed
- croutons
- white cheddar grated (optional), for serving
Instructions
- Melt the lard or butter in a soup pot, then add the potato and sauté, stirring often, until the potatoes turn slightly golden.
- Add the garlic and bay leaves to the pot and fry them in the mix for just 1 minute until they start to release a little flavor.
- Then, add the chicken stock and turn the heat up until it starts to boil.
- Turn the heat down, add the majoram (crush it between your fingers first to release some of its aroma), salt and pepper and continue cooking for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender.
- Serve your delicious garlic soup hot, topped with croutons, parsley, grated cheese and a side of fresh rye bread. If you like a more garlicky taste add some more crushed garlic on top too!
Enjoy!
Notes
