Bramboračka: Hearty Czech Potato Soup
Bramboračka is a classic Czech potato soup that delivers warmth and comfort, especially during the cold months. Simple yet flavorful, this soup combines a variety of vegetables with earthy mushrooms and aromatic herbs, offering a satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients
🥕 1 good-sized carrot, chopped
🌿 100g celeriac, chopped
🥕 1 decent-sized parsnip, chopped
🧅 1 large onion, chopped
🥔 3 decent-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped into larger pieces
🍄 40g dried mushrooms, soaked and boiled
🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
🌾 40g plain flour, approximately 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon
🧈 113g butter, 8 tablespoons
🫗 1200ml vegetable stock, 5 cups, or water
🫒 2 tablespoons oil for frying
🌿 0.5 teaspoon caraway seeds, optional
🌱 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
🧂 Salt to taste
🌶️ Pepper to taste
Instructions
1- Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Soak 40g of dried mushrooms in water for about 10 minutes.
- Boil them and reserve 0.25-0.5 cup of the soaking liquid.
2- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a stainless steel cooking pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over your induction hob.
- Add the chopped carrots, celeriac, parsnips, and onions.
- Sauté until slightly softened and translucent.
3- Add Butter and Flour:
- Incorporate 113g of butter into the vegetables.
- Once melted, stir in 40g of plain flour to create a roux.
- Stir until the flour loses its raw flavor.
4- Add Stock:
- Gradually pour in 1200ml of vegetable stock or water.
- Stir continuously to combine.
5- Incorporate Potatoes and Mushrooms:
- Add the chopped potatoes, rehydrated mushrooms, and 0.25-0.5 cup of the mushroom soaking liquid.
6- Season and Simmer:
- Add the minced garlic, caraway seeds if using, and dried marjoram.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and let cook for approximately 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7- Final Seasoning:
- Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste.
- The soup is ready once the vegetables are tender and flavors are melded.
8- Serve:
- Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving.
- It can also be stored in airtight containers for future enjoyment.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: Approximately 4-6
Equipment: Stainless steel cooking pot, Purple silicone spatula, Glass measuring jug, Clear glass bowls, OXO salt and pepper grinders, Induction hob, Metal mesh strainer, Ceramic serving bowl
Cooking Tips
- Mushroom Alternative: Fresh mushrooms can replace dried ones.
- Flavor Development: The soup's flavors deepen when enjoyed the next day.
- Simmer Prevention: Regular stirring helps prevent flour from sticking to the pot's bottom.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair this thick, hearty soup with crusty bread or serve it in a bread bowl for a traditional Czech touch.
#czechcuisine #comfortfood #potatosoup
Geoff Cooper: https://www.youtube.com/@geoffsbakingblog
#geoffsbakingblog
Bramboračka: Hearty Czech Potato Soup
