{"id":"cesnecka_3c0664ee63","slug":"cesnecka-czech-garlic-soup","title":"Česnečka (Czech Garlic Soup)","description":"A restorative and punchy Czech garlic soup, traditionally served with crispy croutons and melted cheese. Known for its healing properties, it's a comforting staple of Eastern European cuisine.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":30,"activeMinutes":15},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"8-10 garlic cloves, minced","name":"Garlic","quantity":8,"unit":"clove","usQuantity":8,"usUnit":"clove","form":"minced","notes":"Use more if you prefer a stronger taste","group":"Soup Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced","name":"Potatoes","quantity":3,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":3,"usUnit":"piece","form":"diced","notes":"medium size","group":"Soup Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"1 liter beef or chicken broth","name":"Chicken Broth","quantity":1,"unit":"l","usQuantity":1.06,"usUnit":"quart","form":"liquid","notes":"Beef broth is traditional","group":"Soup Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"30g butter or lard","name":"Lard","quantity":30,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.06,"usUnit":"oz","form":"solid","notes":"or lard","group":"Soup Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"1 tsp caraway seeds","name":"Caraway Seed","quantity":2,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"whole","notes":"","group":"Soup Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1 tbsp dried marjoram","name":"Marjoram","quantity":1,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"dried","notes":"","group":"Soup Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"Salt and black pepper to taste","name":"Black Pepper","quantity":1,"unit":"pinch","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"pinch","form":"","notes":"to taste","group":"Soup Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"2 slices of rye or white bread","name":"White bread","quantity":2,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"piece","form":"sliced","notes":"for croutons","group":"Garnish","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"1 egg","name":"Egg","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"whole","notes":"","group":"Soup Base","optional":true},{"id":"ingredient-10","original":"100g grated cheese (Edam or Gouda)","name":"Cheese","quantity":100,"unit":"g","usQuantity":3.53,"usUnit":"oz","form":"grated","notes":"Edam or Gouda preferred","group":"Garnish","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Cut the bread into small cubes and fry them in a small amount of oil or butter in a pan until golden and crispy. Set aside.","group":"Preparation","title":"Cut the bread into small cubes","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the caraway seeds and half of the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but do not brown the garlic.","group":"Cooking","title":"In a large pot, melt the butter","timerMinutes":1,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Add the diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil at 100°C (212°F) then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are soft.","group":"Cooking","title":"Add the diced potatoes","timerMinutes":20,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"If using an egg, whisk it in a small bowl and slowly drizzle it into the simmering soup while stirring constantly to create thin ribbons.","group":"Cooking","title":"If using an egg, whisk it","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Stir in the remaining garlic, dried marjoram, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.","group":"Finishing","title":"Stir in the remaining garlic, dried marjoram, salt, and pepper","timerMinutes":2,"sourceTitle":"Finishing"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Place a portion of grated cheese at the bottom of each soup bowl. Pour the hot soup over the cheese and top with the crispy bread croutons.","group":"Serving","title":"Place a portion of grated cheese","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Serving"}],"notes":"For the most authentic flavor, use fresh marjoram and plenty of garlic. This soup is often served as a hangover cure in the Czech Republic. You can add more garlic at the very end to keep its sharp flavor profile.","cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Czech"]},"course":["soup"],"cookingMethod":["boil","simmer","saute"],"equipment":["large pot","frying pan","vegetable peeler","knife","whisk"],"diet":["high_protein","mediterranean"],"allergens":["milk","eggs","wheat","gluten"],"difficulty":"easy","yield":{"amount":4,"unit":"bowl","note":"Approximately 400ml per serving"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"The soup base can be made ahead, but add the croutons, cheese, and fresh marjoram just before serving for best results."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. Store soup in the fridge.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat on the stove until simmering."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fcesnecka_3c0664ee63%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=f94edd5a-d39d-486a-aee1-63c98bcf6625","imageAlt":"Česnečka (Czech Garlic Soup) — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["garlic","soup","czech","comfort food","healthy"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Česnečka (Czech Garlic Soup)","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T05:58:22.146Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T05:58:22.146Z","related":[{"id":"recipe_2fc55d4412","slug":"authentic-ukrainian-borscht","title":"Authentic Ukrainian Borscht","description":"A vibrant, hearty, and deeply comforting Ukrainian national dish. This ruby-red beet soup is packed with tender beef, crisp vegetables, and finished with fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream.","serves":6,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":70,"totalMinutes":90,"activeMinutes":40},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Ukrainian"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["high_protein","gluten_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_2fc55d4412%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=5d813228-0e9d-4062-b687-2552b83c53fa","imageAlt":"Authentic Ukrainian Borscht — recipe cover","tags":["healthy","beetroot","soup","traditional","comfort food","vibrant"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":14,"stepCount":7},{"id":"ciorba_de_burta_62fdf7bcb5","slug":"ciorba-de-burta","title":"Ciorbă de burtă","description":"A velvety, rich, and tangy Romanian tripe soup, celebrated for its creamy texture, intense garlic aroma, and distinctive yellow hue.","serves":6,"time":{"prepMinutes":30,"cookMinutes":120,"totalMinutes":150,"activeMinutes":45},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Romanian"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["high_protein","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fciorba_de_burta_62fdf7bcb5%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=288d19f6-197f-4d2a-8ae0-1ee3ee338371","imageAlt":"Ciorbă de burtă — recipe cover","tags":["tripe","creamy","sour soup","traditional","romanian","garlic"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":11,"stepCount":5},{"id":"ciorba_de_perisoare_c9d922f43d","slug":"ciorba-de-perisoare","title":"Ciorbă de perișoare","description":"A classic, tangy Eastern European soup featuring tender meatballs seasoned with rice and herbs, simmered with root vegetables in a flavorful broth, and soured with lemon or borș.","serves":6,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":40,"totalMinutes":60,"activeMinutes":30},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Romanian"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["high_protein","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fciorba_de_perisoare_c9d922f43d%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=f080c382-8549-4c6f-88d3-766c86f83ed9","imageAlt":"Ciorbă de perișoare — recipe cover","tags":["meatballs","sour soup","traditional","healthy","high protein"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":10,"stepCount":6}]}