Czech Garlic Soup, aka Česnečka or Hangover Soup, is regarded as a cure for all ailments, including the common cold and of course hangovers. It boasts garlic, potatoes, and crunchy rye bread croutons!
After visiting Prague recently I became very intrigued by Czech cooking. Some Czech recipes have roots in other Central European cuisines, such as German, Austrian, or Hungarian. Others truly have a uniquely Czech spin on them.
While a lot of Czech food is rustic, rich, and not very glamorous, the flavors are quite delicious! I'm excited to create some Czech recipes of my own in the coming months.
This past weekend I felt myself coming down with a cold. Boo! During my visit to Prague I had heard of a Czech garlic soup called Česnečka aka "hangover soup." It's laden with garlic, and is considered a fix for other ailments including the common cold.
The timing couldn't be more perfect! Garlic has proven antibiotic and antiviral properties. Therefore it makes sense that a soup enriched with loads and loads of garlic would be a great cold remedy. And also, it keeps the vampires away (Halloween's approaching y'all--better safe than sorry!).
Basic Ingredients for Czech Garlic Soup
I researched Česnečka and noted it is an extremely straightforward dish with ingredients that most people may already have in their refrigerator and pantry. The standard ingredients include garlic, potatoes, and broth.
I only had to purchase rye bread for the croutons, but had everything else on hand. Most recipes are nearly identical since it's quite a basic soup, but there are some variances.
A couple of ingredients you may need to pick up include dried marjoram (although dried oregano is an ok substitute) and caraway seeds. These seem to be common in Czech cooking. I ate French onion soup in Prague, and even that contained caraway seeds!
Should I include the optional ingredients?
From my research I would say that chopped onions are not typical, but some people add them anyway (I didn't). Czech Garlic Soup often includes some cubed or shredded cheese. The cheese melts and modifies the flavor and texture of the soup.
Also, a beaten egg is added in more classic recipes, yielding ribbons of egg similar to a Chinese egg drop soup. Typically, you top the soup with rye bread croutons as the final step.
In my rendition of Česnečka, I stick with much of the classic components. Initially I served a couple bowls of soup sans egg and cheese, but the following day reheated the leftover soup on the stove top and stirred in half a beaten egg, and served it with a bit of cheese in the bowl for comparison (the photos represent the batch with beaten egg added).
Honestly, both versions are equally delicious in my opinion. In the recipe below the egg and cheese are both optional. They are not necessary but both add a bit of extra flavor, texture, and protein.
If you want this soup to be vegetarian, use vegetable broth (or even water) and skip the optional cheese (the suggested varieties are usually made with animal rennet).
Česnečka itself of quite garlicky and incredibly satisfying and comforting, especially when one is battling a cold or hangover (though the latter is luckily something I haven't experienced in years!).
I really fell in love with this garlic-bomb of a soup, its ease of preparation, and the comfort it provides. I plan to add it to my winter arsenal as I know there will be more sniffles and sneezes in the coming months. It's so delicious even if you're not sick, so seriously give it a try!
Other recipes you may like
- Hovězí Guláš (Czech Beef Goulash)
- Knedlíky (Czech Dumplings)
- Nakládaný Hermelín (Czech Marinated Cheese)
- Perníčky (Czech Gingerbread Cookies)
- Zankou Chicken Garlic Sauce (Copycat Recipe)
- Garlic Lemon Salmon Piccata
- Olive and Garlic Soft Pretzels with Feta Cheese
- Read more about my travels through Prague and the Czech Republic
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Česnečka (Czech Garlic Soup aka Hangover Soup)
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
- 6 to 8 cloves garlic, crushed (you can use even more, if you’d like!)
- 6 cups chicken, beef, or vegetable broth or stock
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound (about 2 medium to large) waxy potatoes (white, yellow, or red–not russets), peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 large egg, beaten (optional)
- 3 ounces (3 to 4 slices) rye bread, cubed
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or olive oil spray
- 4 ounces cubed cheese, Emmental, Gruyere, or Camembert–rind removed (optional)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium pan over medium heat, and add the garlic. Cook until softened and aromatic, about 4 to 5 minutes (lower the heat if it starts to brown). Add the broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
- When boiling, season with salt and pepper, then add the diced potatoes, marjoram, and caraway seeds. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- If you are adding an egg, pour it in slowly while mixing the soup to create ribbons of cooked egg (similar to Chinese egg drop soup).
- Meanwhile, heat an oven or toaster oven to 350°F. Add the cubed rye bread to a small sheet pan and either drizzle with olive oil or spray with olive oil spray, and toss with your hands to coat. Toast for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Set aside until soup is done.
- Serve the soup topped with croutons and parsley, and if desired stir in some cheese (or put the cheese in the bowl first and then pour the soup on top). Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
*All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.*
Marilyn
Great when you have a cold coming on.
Susan Martin
I made this using beef broth. I followed the recipe with no changes in amounts or ingredients. I made it for my son-in-law from the Czech Republic who has been sick. He ate all of it and asked for me to make again and bring it to him. He said it tasted just like what his Grandmother used to make. I am very pleased with results and his reaction. I hope to make many more dishes that remind him of home.
Jane
This soup absolutely healed my soul. 100% depression cured, for today.
I did make some changes according to personal taste. Added more broth, potatoes and few different herbs. Absolute *chefs kiss*
Vaclav
Hello,
I am originally from Czechia and I recommend either not pan frying the garlic much to keep it fresh / or do the pan frying for deeper flavour but also press few extra garlic pieces later on before finishing it. The soup should have the taste of fresh garlic and feel spicy in your throat. A garlic BOOM in your mouth.
A major difference to other garlic / onion soups. That’s why it’s such a remedy! Cheers.
Victoria
Sounds like a great suggestion! We have an Armenian soup called khash which we flavor with tons of fresh pressed garlic right before eating. I love that sharp bite and would welcome more garlic in any capacity, haha!