Czech Potato Soup Recipe (bramboračka)

Added by kocky, October 9, 2024
soups → vegetable-soup
Czech cuisine

Traditional Czech potato soup is a warming and hearty dish made with basic ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and root vegetables. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly days and brings authentic Czech flavors to your table.

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Recipe:

Ingrediens

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 celery root, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon marjoram (optional)
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, slice the carrots, and dice the celery root. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
2. Sauté the Onion: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, diced celery root, and sliced carrots. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated and slightly browned.
5. Add Broth and Seasonings: Slowly pour in the broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the caraway seeds, bay leaf, marjoram (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Add Potatoes and Simmer: Once the broth is boiling, add the diced potatoes. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
7. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper to your preference. Remove the bay leaf.
8. Serve with Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and add a spoonful of sour cream for a creamy finish.

Nutrition Facts

Tips and Tricks

1. Pick the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamier texture in the soup.
2. Enhance the Flavor: For a more robust flavor, you can sauté some diced bacon with the onions before adding the vegetables.
3. Consistency Control: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few of the potatoes in the pot after they’re cooked to add body to the broth.
4. Customize the Herbs: Marjoram adds an authentic touch, but you can substitute thyme or leave it out altogether if preferred.

Historical & Cultural Overview

Potato soup is a staple in Czech cuisine, often enjoyed as a first course in homes across the country. Its simple ingredients reflect the rural nature of traditional Czech cooking, relying on root vegetables and pantry staples.

Reviews & Rating

Lea Leefa :

October 9, 2024

This soup took me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen!