Czech Garlic Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, Czech Garlic Soup (Škvařený cesnekový polévka) should definitely be on your radar. This traditional Eastern European dish has been warming hearts and bellies for centuries. Originating from the Czech Republic, garlic soup is often considered a home remedy, especially popular during the colder months when its rich, aromatic properties provide comfort and warmth. Garlic itself is known for its powerful immune-boosting properties, making this soup not just a treat for the taste buds but also a perfect tonic for your health.

The beauty of Czech Garlic Soup lies in its simplicity and its incredible depth of flavor. It’s not just a basic garlic soup-it’s a rich, savory concoction infused with layers of goodness that come together in a bowl of delicious, rustic warmth. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug from the inside.

Let’s dive into the recipe!

Here’s an easy, authentic recipe for Czech Garlic Soup that’ll transport you straight to the heart of the Czech countryside.

Ingredients Needed

For this soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Garlic (6-8 cloves): The star of the show, providing the rich, aromatic flavor that defines the dish. Fresh garlic cloves are ideal, but if you have access to roasted garlic, it can add an even deeper, sweeter note to the soup.
Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups): A flavorful base that brings all the ingredients together. If you want a more intense flavor, homemade broth works wonders.
Carrots (2 medium-sized): They add a subtle sweetness that balances the intensity of the garlic.
Onion (1 medium): Adds an earthy, savory backdrop to the soup.
Butter (2 tablespoons): The rich fat that helps sauté the garlic and onions, building flavor from the very start.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds another layer of richness, blending beautifully with the butter.
Bay leaves (2): A subtle touch of earthy aroma that rounds out the flavor profile.
Thyme (1 teaspoon dried, or 2 sprigs fresh): Its slightly minty, earthy taste complements the garlic perfectly.
Salt (to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the soup.
Pepper (to taste): A bit of black pepper adds just the right amount of heat.
Eggs (2 large): A key part of the traditional recipe, the eggs provide richness and texture, making the soup more hearty and filling.
Crusty bread (a few slices): A necessity for serving alongside the soup. You can even toast it and break it into the soup for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare The Vegetables
- Peel and finely chop the garlic.
- Dice the onion and carrots into small, bite-sized pieces.
Sauté The Aromatics
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions and carrots and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. You want to release all those amazing garlic aromas, but be careful not to burn it.
Add The Broth And Seasonings
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring you scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot (those are flavor-packed!)
- Add the bay leaves and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This gives the carrots time to soften and all the flavors to meld together.
Prepare The Eggs
- While the soup is simmering, crack the eggs into a small bowl.
- Once the soup has simmered, use a spoon to make small wells in the soup. Gently pour the eggs into the soup, one at a time, without stirring.
- Cover the pot and let the eggs poach for about 3-5 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
Final Touches
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toast your bread slices and cut them into smaller pieces. Place the toasted bread into bowls.
Serve
- Ladle the hot soup over the bread pieces. Make sure each bowl gets an egg, and optionally, you can break the yolk for extra richness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in Czech Garlic Soup plays a crucial role in building the dish’s unique and comforting flavor profile:

Garlic: It’s the heart and soul of this soup. Besides the powerful flavor, garlic is packed with antioxidants and has been known to boost the immune system and improve cardiovascular health.
Butter and Olive Oil: These fats work together to create a silky base for sautéing the garlic and onions. Butter adds richness, while olive oil brings a Mediterranean essence.
Carrots and Onions: Both vegetables add natural sweetness and earthiness, providing balance to the bold garlic flavor.
Eggs: In Czech tradition, the eggs are essential. They provide richness and texture, turning the soup from a simple broth to a meal. The slightly runny yolk adds an extra layer of comfort to the soup.
Crusty Bread: The bread soaks up the soup, giving each bite a hearty, satisfying quality. It’s a wonderful contrast to the liquid broth.

Expert Tips

Adjust garlic to taste: The recipe calls for 6-8 cloves, but if you’re a garlic enthusiast, feel free to add more! If you’re concerned about the soup being too garlicky, you can roast the garlic beforehand to mellow it out.
Simmering for depth: The key to making this soup is letting it simmer long enough. Allowing it to bubble gently for 15-20 minutes lets all the flavors meld together and gives the carrots time to soften.
Homemade broth: If you have time, making your own broth (whether chicken or vegetable) will add an incredible depth of flavor that store-bought broths just can’t match.
Eggs with varying consistency: The eggs are traditionally poached in the soup. However, if you prefer a more solid consistency, you can lightly scramble them before adding them to the soup.
Toast the bread: For extra texture, toast the bread until it’s crisp before placing it in the bowl. This helps it hold up against the hot soup and adds a nice crunch.

Recipe Variations

While the traditional Czech Garlic Soup recipe is delicious on its own, there are a few fun variations you can try:

Vegan version: Simply swap the butter for vegan margarine, use vegetable broth, and leave out the eggs. You can still use crusty bread to add texture, and a splash of plant-based cream can give it some richness.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot paprika to give the soup a spicy kick. This can help balance the sweetness of the carrots.
Cheese: Some versions of this soup use grated cheese (like Parmesan or Gruyère) sprinkled on top before serving. The cheese melts into the soup, creating a creamy, indulgent finish.

Final Words

Czech Garlic Soup is a celebration of simplicity and warmth. It combines just a few humble ingredients-garlic, broth, carrots, and eggs-into something that feels both comforting and complex. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you slow down, savor every bite, and appreciate the beauty of the basics. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need a cozy dinner, or want to impress guests with an authentic Czech dish, this soup will do the trick.

Czech Garlic Soup Recipe