Traditional Czech Mushroom Soup with Fresh Wild Mushrooms

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

A classic Czech soup featuring wild mushrooms, root vegetables, and a creamy, savory broth. Ideal for those seeking authentic Eastern European comfort food.

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Recipe:

Ingrediens

• 2 cups fresh wild mushrooms (porcini, chanterelles, or a mix)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 parsley root, peeled and diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Freshly baked crusty bread (for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Clean the wild mushrooms thoroughly and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion, and dice the carrots and parsley root.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the butter and olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Vegetables: Stir in the garlic, carrots, and parsley root. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
4. Add the Mushrooms: Incorporate the sliced wild mushrooms into the pot. Cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, around 7-10 minutes.
5. Add the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
6. Pour in the Broth: Gradually add the vegetable broth while stirring to combine. Add the bay leaves and dried marjoram. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
7. Simmer: Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
8. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with a slice of crusty bread on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Tips and Tricks

1. Choose the Right Mushrooms: For an authentic taste, use a variety of wild mushrooms like porcini or chanterelles. If unavailable, cremini mushrooms can be a suitable substitute.
2. Thicken the Soup: To achieve the perfect creamy texture, make sure to cook the flour thoroughly before adding the broth.
3. Avoid Overcooking: Mushrooms can become rubbery if overcooked. Keep an eye on them and avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream.

Historical & Cultural Overview

Czech mushroom soup, known locally as "Houbová Polévka," is a staple in Czech kitchens, especially during the fall when mushroom foraging is common. Mushrooms hold a special place in Czech culture, often gathered in the forests and used in a variety of dishes, from soups to stews.

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