Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and add fresh croutons and cheese just before serving.
LUNCH
Hearty Slovak Garlic Soup with Croutons and Cheese (Cesnaková Polievka)
Embrace the comforting warmth of this traditional Slovak garlic soup. Simple to prepare yet bursting with robust garlic flavor, savory broth, and topped with golden croutons and gooey melted cheese, it's an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or a light, cozy dinner.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Let's cook.
01
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
02
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the caraway seeds, black pepper, and salt. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
03
While the soup simmers, prepare the croutons. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed stale bread and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
04
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls.
05
Top each bowl generously with the shredded Emmental or Gruyère cheese and the freshly made croutons. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately.
About This Recipe
Embrace the comforting warmth of this traditional Slovak garlic soup. Simple to prepare yet bursting with robust garlic flavor, savory broth, and topped with golden croutons and gooey melted cheese, it's an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or a light, cozy dinner.
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.✦
Big flavor.✦
Chef's Tips
For an extra creamy texture, you can whisk in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving, after removing the soup from the heat.
Easy Substitutions
Feel free to use any sturdy bread for the croutons, such as sourdough or baguette. For the cheese, cheddar or provolone can be used as alternatives to Emmental or Gruyère. Vegetable broth makes this soup vegetarian.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store croutons separately to maintain crispness. Reheat soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a light white wine.
Common Mistakes
1. Burning the garlic: Sauté garlic over medium heat and watch it carefully; burnt garlic will make the soup bitter. 2. Not seasoning enough: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. 3. Soggy croutons: Add croutons just before serving to keep them crispy. 4. Using pre-shredded cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts much better and has a superior flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bread is best for croutons?
Stale bread, such as day-old baguette or sourdough, works best for making crispy croutons.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
While traditionally simple, you could add finely diced potatoes or carrots along with the broth for a heartier version, increasing the simmering time until tender.
MORE TO KNOW
The key to a great Cesnaková Polievka is fresh garlic and not overcooking it. Sautéing the garlic briefly releases its aroma without making it bitter. Caraway seeds are a traditional Slovak spice that adds a unique, earthy warmth to the soup, complementing the garlic beautifully. Don't skip making fresh croutons; they add a wonderful texture contrast to the smooth soup.
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