There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of homemade soup, and Czech caraway soup, or kmínová polévka, is the epitome of cozy.
This simple but satisfying soup recipe comes from a friend’s grandmother. Growing up, I enjoyed this often at my friend’s home. Looking at the recipe now, I realize it was most likely a soup meant to fill up bellies without a lot of resources. As a kid, I just knew it would be waiting for us after school and it was delicious!
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can craft a nourishing and delicious meal. It’s a prime example of how to stretch ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
The secret to this soup’s rich texture lies in a few key steps. First, the onions are gently cooked until translucent, providing a sweet base. Next, a classic roux of flour, oil, and caraway seeds is created, ensuring a smooth and flavorful foundation. It's essential to cook the flour mixture thoroughly to eliminate any raw taste and introduce a subtle toastiness.
The potatoes are the heart of this soup. Once cooked until tender, they’re lightly mashed, releasing their starches and thickening the broth naturally.
Finally, the soup is transformed into something truly special with the addition of a tempered egg and sour cream mixture.
This step adds a touch of richness and tanginess that elevates the flavors to new heights.
Caraway
The star of the show, of course, is caraway seed. This aromatic spice has a long history in European cuisine, prized for its warm, bittersweet flavor with hints of orange peel and anise. While often overshadowed by its more popular cousin, cumin, caraway is a versatile ingredient that pairs beautifully with root vegetables as well as with sweet flavors.
This recipe also calls for Hungarian Paprika adding a bit of richness and depth to this easy soup recipe.
This kmínová polévka is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. It's a budget-friendly, pantry-friendly, and effortlessly delicious soup that will warm your soul from the first spoonful.
