Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g čvarci (pork cracklings)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp. flour
- 1 L chicken or beef broth
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp. paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp. sour cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Add the flour and stir until it forms a paste.
3. Pour in the chicken or beef broth and stir until the flour is dissolved.
4. Add the cubed potatoes, chopped carrot, and celery stalk to the pot.
5. Add the bay leaf, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
8. Add the čvarci to the soup and let them simmer for 5 minutes.
9. Stir in the sour cream until it is fully incorporated.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of pork cracklings, you can use bacon or pancetta.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth for a vegetarian version.
- Instead of sour cream, you can use plain yogurt or heavy cream.
Variations:
- Add chopped kale or spinach to the soup for extra nutrition.
- Add a can of drained and rinsed white beans for extra protein.
- Use different herbs and spices to change the flavor profile, such as thyme or cumin.
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter and burn you.
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, add more flour to thicken it.
Storage instructions:
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in individual bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too salty, add more water or broth to dilute the saltiness.
- If the soup is too bland, add more herbs and spices to taste.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the soup to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Čvarci soup is a traditional dish in Croatia and Serbia, made with pork cracklings and vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, rich, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the soup as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Croatian