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Cesky Krumlov (Czech Republic)
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Soup
Meat
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
420kcal
20gProtein
45gCarbs
18gFat
5gFibre
400 gServing
* Per serving · 400 g. May vary.
Old Bohemian Cabbage Soup
How to order / say it
Say it
Staroceska zelňačka — [STA-ro-ches-kah ZELL-nyah-chka]
Order
I'd like the Old Bohemian cabbage soup, please.
Locally
Chtěl bych staročeskou zelňačku, prosím.
Say locally
Rich and sour soup with cabbage and smoked meat.
Why try it?
Staroceska zelňačka is an age-old recipe that represents the rustic importance of cabbage, a staple in Czech diets. It offers insight into the historic use of fermentation and smoking techniques.
How it tastes
The soup has a distinct tanginess from fermented cabbage balanced by the smoky flavor of meat. It's hearty and warming, often dotted with potatoes and spiced with caraway seeds.
Origin & History — first documented: 1500
Emerging in medieval Bohemia, this soup was a way to preserve cabbage with fermentation techniques. Known for providing sustenance during colder months, it has been passed down through generations.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥕 300 g sauerkraut
- 🥩 200 g smoked sausage
- 🥕 200 g potatoes
- 🧄 1 onion
- 🧂 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 🧂 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic
Method
- 1 Fry onions, garlic, and caraway seeds in a large pot.
- 2 Add sauerkraut, potatoes, and smoked sausage to the pot.
- 3 Stir in spices and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- 4 Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
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