Zagorska Juha od Krumpira

Zagorska Juha od Krumpira Recipe - Traditional Croatian Potato Soup

Region / culture: Croatia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Zagorska Juha od Krumpira is a traditional Croatian potato soup that is hearty and flavorful. This dish is perfect for a cold winter day or when you are craving a comforting meal.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in the Zagorje region of Croatia. It is a staple dish in Croatian cuisine and is often enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (700 g) potatoes
2 oz (50 g) margarine
2 oz (50 g) smoked bacon
2 cloves garlic
8 fl oz (200 ml) smetana
1 tbsp mixed spices (marjoram, bay leaf, parsley, vinegar, salt, pepper)
sweet red paprika and flour
35 – 40 fl oz (1 liter) water

How to prepare

Peel and cube the potatoes.
Finely slice the bacon.
Chop the onion, garlic, and parsley.
Heat the margarine and sauté the sliced bacon and onion. Sprinkle with sweet red paprika and add the prepared potatoes, mixed spices, marjoram, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Dust with flour, stir well, and add an appropriate amount of water.
Boil gently until the potatoes are soft.
Then puree the soup, add the smetana, chopped parsley, garlic, and vinegar to taste.
Bring briefly to a boil and serve.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or sausage for added protein.
Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version.
Add diced carrots or celery for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cube the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.

- Sautéing the bacon and onion before adding the potatoes adds depth of flavor to the soup.

- Dusting the flour over the ingredients helps to thicken the soup.

- Pureeing the soup gives it a creamy texture, while adding smetana at the end adds richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Zagorska Juha od Krumpira with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the bacon and onion before adding the potatoes helps to develop flavor.

- Pureeing the soup gives it a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine.

- Use sour cream instead of smetana.

Make Ahead Tips

Zagorska Juha od Krumpira can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a dollop of smetana and a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Zagorska Juha od Krumpira with a glass of Croatian white wine or a light lager beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Zagorska Juha od Krumpira contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Zagorska Juha od Krumpira contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Zagorska Juha od Krumpira contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Zagorska Juha od Krumpira contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and Vitamin B6.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (smetana) and gluten (flour).

Summary

Zagorska Juha od Krumpira is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Zagorska Juha od Krumpira is a delicious and comforting potato soup that is perfect for a cozy meal. This traditional Croatian dish is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy it with your family and friends for a taste of Croatian cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Zagorska Juha od Krumpira. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Novak harvest potatoes from her garden. As a token of gratitude, she invited me into her cozy kitchen and offered me a steaming bowl of soup. The aroma that wafted from the pot was intoxicating, and I couldn't resist asking her for the recipe.

Mrs. Novak smiled warmly and began to recount how she had learned to make this traditional Croatian potato soup from her own grandmother. She spoke of the rolling hills of the Zagorje region, where potatoes were a staple crop and soup was a comfort food that warmed the soul on cold winter nights. As she spoke, I could practically taste the rich broth, the tender potatoes, and the fragrant herbs that she described.

I was captivated by Mrs. Novak's storytelling and the way she effortlessly blended ingredients to create a dish that was both simple and satisfying. I knew then and there that I had to learn to make this soup for myself. Mrs. Novak was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she patiently guided me through each step, offering tips and tricks that she had learned over the years.

The first time I attempted to make Zagorska Juha od Krumpira, I was filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Would I be able to capture the essence of this beloved dish? Would it taste as delicious as Mrs. Novak's version? As I peeled and diced the potatoes, chopped the onions and garlic, and simmered the broth with bay leaves and thyme, I felt a sense of connection to the generations of women who had cooked this soup before me.

When I finally ladled the steaming soup into bowls and took my first spoonful, I was transported back to Mrs. Novak's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of her hospitality. The soup was everything I had hoped for – hearty, flavorful, and nourishing. I knew then that I had unlocked a culinary treasure, a recipe that would become a cherished part of my own family's food traditions.

Over the years, I have made Zagorska Juha od Krumpira countless times, each batch slightly different but always delicious. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the story of how I learned to make this soup from Mrs. Novak and honoring the culinary heritage of the Zagorje region. And with each pot of soup that simmers on my stove, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures of good food, good company, and the timeless wisdom of grandmothers who know the true magic of a well-cooked meal.

Now, as I sit down to a bowl of Zagorska Juha od Krumpira on a chilly autumn afternoon, I am filled with a sense of contentment and connection to the past. I can almost hear the laughter of Mrs. Novak and her grandmother echoing through the kitchen, reminding me that the best recipes are not just about food – they are about love, tradition, and the stories that we share with each other. And as I take another spoonful of soup, I am grateful for the gift of this recipe and the memories that it brings to life.