Bramboračka (Czech Potato Soup with Mushrooms)
In short: A thick, earthy potato soup with carrots, parsnip, dried and fresh mushrooms, marjoram and caraway, built on a golden flour roux. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 235 kcal
Bramboračka is Czech potato soup, a cheap, filling bowl made in nearly every home. Potatoes simmer with carrots, root vegetables and mushrooms, and a quick roux of oil and flour gives it body. Dried wild mushrooms provide the deep forest aroma, while marjoram, caraway and garlic give the flavors Czechs expect. Serve it with dark bread.
Instructions
- Soak the dried mushrooms in the hot water for 20 minutes. Lift them out, squeeze and chop finely. Strain the soaking liquid through a fine sieve and keep it.
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 5 minutes until soft, then add the fresh mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until golden.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until pale golden. Add the garlic, caraway and marjoram for 30 seconds.
- Gradually whisk in the 1.25 liters of water and the mushroom soaking liquid, so no lumps form. Add the chopped dried mushrooms, bay leaves, allspice, salt and pepper.
- Add the potatoes, carrots and parsnip. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the vegetables are very tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Mash a few pieces of potato against the side of the pot for a thicker texture. Remove the bay leaves and allspice.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with parsley.
Tips
- Do not skip the dried mushrooms, since a small amount gives most of the flavor. If you cannot find any, add 150 g (5 oz) more fresh mushrooms and a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Serve with a slice of dark rye bread rubbed with garlic, and add a few drops of vinegar to each bowl if you like a slight sourness.
Questions and answers
Can I make bramboračka ahead?
Yes. It thickens in the fridge and tastes better the next day. Keep it for up to 4 days and loosen it with water when reheating.
Can I freeze potato soup?
Yes, for up to 2 months. The potatoes can turn slightly grainy, but the flavor stays good. Stir well when reheating.
Is bramboračka vegan?
As written, yes, because it uses only oil, vegetables and mushrooms. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a smoky note without any meat.
How long does it take to make Bramboračka (Czech Potato Soup with Mushrooms)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bramboračka (Czech Potato Soup with Mushrooms)?
About 235 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 35 g of carbohydrates and 8 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 235 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
