Cesnaková Polievka s Opraženým Chlebom (Garlic Soup with Toasted Bread)
A deeply flavorful and comforting garlic soup, a staple in Slovak cuisine, especially during colder months. It features a rich broth infused with garlic, often thickened with a roux and enriched with potatoes and sometimes cheese, served with crispy toasted bread cubes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 8-10 cloves Garlic(minced or finely chopped)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and diced)
- 1.5 liters Vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Butter or oil
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 4 slices Bread(cubed for croutons)
- 50 g Optional: Grated cheese (e.g., Emmental or Gruyere)
- for garnish Optional: Sour cream
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 3
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic and stir to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- 4
Gradually whisk in the broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 5
Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- 6
While the soup simmers, toast the bread cubes in a dry pan or in the oven until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
- 7
If using cheese, stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking until melted. Alternatively, you can add it to individual bowls.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 9
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with toasted bread cubes and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother soup, you can blend it with an immersion blender before adding the croutons.
- ✓Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.
- ✓Use good quality bread for the croutons; slightly stale bread works well.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the soup for extra richness.
- Include a bay leaf while simmering the soup for added depth of flavor.