Zelňačka (Czech Sauerkraut Soup) #EattheWorld

This month the Eat the World writers are looking at the country of Czechia. Read more about the Eat the World project here. I picked this country in to explore the cuisine from one of the countries we will be visiting this summer. Stay tuned for more about that. But I knew next to nothing about their regional dishes.

Here's our line-up...

• Bohemian Beef Noodle Soup by A Day in the Life on the Farm

• Česnečka (Czech Garlic & Potato Soup) by Amy's Cooking Adventures

• Czech Lívance -Eggless Yeasted Pancakes by Sneha's Recipe

• Summery Czech Cucumber Salad by Palatable Pastime

• Zelňačka (Czech Sauerkraut Soup) by Culinary Cam (you're here)

Zelňačka (Czech Sauerkraut Soup)

I have initially thought I would make Bramboráky, Czech potato pancakes. But after I made this, I realized that I was out of potatoes. Talk about poor planning. That's the story of my life at the end of every school year. This year was particularly chaotic as I baked cookies for three different graduates!

I will also report back after our trip on what we actually ate, but my initial research indicates that the cuisine in Czechia, Austria, and Hungary are heavily reliant on meat and potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

• 1 Tablespoon caraway seeds

• 1/2 pound bacon or sausages, chopped

• 2 sticks celery, diced

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 medium carrots, sliced

• 5 small potatoes, diced

• 3 cups sauerkraut

• 8 cups chicken broth

• water to taste

• salt and pepper to taste

Procedure

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add chopped bacon or sausage and cook until browned.

Add caraway to the pot and, then, the celery, onions, and carrots. Sauté until softened and golden, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.

Add in the potatoes and sauerkraut. Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork tender. Taste the broth. If it's too salty, add in water. Season to taste with salt and pepper, as needed.

Serve hot!

That's a wrap on my Czechia offering. Next month the group will be heading to Vatican City to share some inspired recipes. Stay tuned!