Kulajda Soup
A traditional Czech creamy dill soup, often made with mushrooms, potatoes, and a poached egg, offering a comforting and hearty flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Mushrooms(fresh or dried, sliced)
- 300 g Potatoes(peeled and diced)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1.5 l Vegetable or chicken broth
- 150 ml Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Fresh dill(chopped)
- 1 tbsp White vinegar
- 4 large Eggs(for poaching)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using dried mushrooms, rehydrate them in warm water for 30 minutes, then drain and slice. If using fresh, clean and slice them.
💡 Tip: Reserve the mushroom soaking liquid for extra flavor. - 2
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- 4
Sprinkle flour over the mushroom and onion mixture and stir well to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- 5
Gradually whisk in the broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Add the mushroom soaking liquid if using. - 6
Add the diced potatoes to the simmering soup. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- 7
Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt, pepper, and white vinegar to taste. Heat through but do not boil.
💡 Tip: The vinegar adds a crucial tangy note. - 8
Meanwhile, poach the eggs. Bring a separate pot of water with a splash of vinegar to a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into the simmering water and cook for 3-4 minutes until the whites are set and yolks are still runny.
💡 Tip: Create a gentle swirl in the water before adding the egg for better shape. - 9
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Gently place one poached egg in the center of each bowl.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use a mix of wild and cultivated mushrooms.
- ✓Adjust the amount of dill to your preference.
- ✓If you don't want to poach eggs, you can serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream instead.
🔄 Variations
- Add a bay leaf during simmering for an extra layer of flavor.
- Some recipes include a small amount of caraway seeds.