Get ready to warm up your winter evenings with a hearty and flavorful bowl of Czech Garlic Soup known as Česnečka! I've seen this hangover soup made with beef, chicken, and just vegetables, so it wasn't a stretch to use goose meat.
Garlic Soup: The Best Hangover Soup
Garlic soup is the hero we never knew we needed - until we wake up after a long night of celebrating. Enter Česnečka, the ultimate Czech Garlic Soup. It's affectionately known as "Hangover Soup," but don't let that fool you. This dish is more than just a cure; it's a warm, hearty hug in a bowl.
If you're battling a pounding headache or gearing up to conquer a busy day with work, kids, and life - this garlic soup recipe is your secret weapon. Packed with garlic's superpowers and tender bites of goose or duck, this soup is a culinary lifesaver. Not only will it soothe your soul, but it will also get you back on your feet.
Why Garlic Soup Works As A Hangover Cure
What makes Česnečka such a powerful remedy? The secret lies in its star ingredient: garlic. Garlic is rich in antioxidants, which help combat the oxidative stress caused by alcohol. Additionally, the soup is hydrating, thanks to the flavorful broth. Dehydration is one of the main culprits behind those dreaded hangover symptoms. Potatoes provide the carbs your body craves, while goose or duck delivers much-needed protein.
Pro tip: According to health experts at Mayo Clinic, rehydrating with fluids and replenishing lost electrolytes is key to recovery. Pair this soup with plenty of water and maybe a slice of toast for good measure.
Česnečka - A Taste Of Czech Tradition
Česnečka is a staple in Czech households, and every family has its own spin. My version of this Czech garlic soup was inspired by a bowl I enjoyed for lunch at a restaurant in Prague back in 2016. I wasn't using as a hangover cure back then. I was just in the mood for a great bowl of soup. At the time, I was traveling with students and not my wife, so I indulged in as many things garlic as I could since I knew I wouldn't be kissing anyone afterwards.
Substitutions for Goose Meat
Even if you’ve never cooked with goose or duck before, don’t worry. The instructions are straightforward and foolproof. But if you aren't a waterfowl hunter and don't have access to it, you can easily substitute chicken, pork, beef, or deer meat.
Česnečka Garlic Soup Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless goose or duck breast
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 medium potatoes, cleaned and cubed (about 1 pound)
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled
- 6 cups goose or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh marjoram (or ½ teaspoon dried marjoram)
- 2 bay leaves
- Croutons
How To Make Hangover Soup
- Place the goose breast on a cutting board and tenderize it with a Jaccard meat tenderizer or a meat mallet. Cut the meat into 1-inch cubes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the kosher salt and black pepper. Toss the meat in the seasoning mix until well-coated.
- Heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned meat and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked meat to a large plate and set aside.
- In the same Dutch oven, heat the remaining 1 Tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed potatoes and sauté for 4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Add the garlic cloves to the pot and sauté for 1 minute, letting their aroma fill your kitchen.
- Pour in the broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the marjoram, bay leaves, and the cooked meat.
- Simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with croutons. Serve immediately.
Tips For A Great Garlic Soup
- Tenderizing the Goose: A meat mallet or Jaccard tenderizer ensures your goose or duck meat cooks quickly and stays tender.
- Garlic Lovers: Feel free to add an extra clove or two if you're craving more garlicky goodness.
- Don't Have Croutons?: If you don't have croutons in the house, any bread or crackers will do. Maybe you bought a $1 loaf of French bread when you wandered around Walmart looking for munchies at 2:00 a.m. last night.
Why You'll Love This Czech Garlic Soup Recipe
This Czech Garlic Soup is super easy to make in just 30 minutes, even when you’re not feeling your best. The simple flavors are comforting, while the ingredients work together to support recovery. Plus, it’s adaptable. No goose or duck on hand? Swap it for chicken, pork, beef, or venison and it’s just as delicious.
It's Not Just For Hangovers
Perhaps you don't have to tackle a hangover, and are just looking for a really great garlic soup that makes a fantastic light lunch or dinner. Česnečka is a versatile recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket - not just for the morning after, but anytime you’re craving a satisfying, homemade soup.
I'll often make this Česnečka for my wife and our 9-year-old daughter on frigid winter days here in North Dakota. They both absolutely love garlic and this soup! And a garlic soup is especially good for anyone fighting off a bad cold.
The next time you’re feeling under the weather - or just want a taste of Czech comfort - give this soup a try. It’s your go-to remedy for life’s more challenging mornings and a delicious way to celebrate the restorative magic of food.
More Soup Recipes
Nothing beats a cozy bowl of soup, stew, or chili to warm you up on a chilly day like we have quite often here in North Dakota. Whether you make it in a slow cooker, or in a Dutch oven on the stovetop, there is an easy and delicious recipe available here for every home cook.
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The Best Czech Garlic Soup (Česnečka) - Hangover Soup
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the goose breast on a cutting board and tenderize with a Jaccard meat tenderizer or meat mallet, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the salt and pepper. Add the meat to the bowl, toss to coat well.
- In my favorite 6-quart Dutch oven, heat 1 Tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the goose meat and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked goose meat to a large plate and set aside.
- In the same 6-quart Dutch oven, heat the other 1 Tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the potatoes and sauté for 4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Add garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in the broth, stir well, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, add the marjoram, bay leaves, and cooked goose meat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed and serve immediately with croutons.
Dee says
I made this for husband and brother in law and it works to cure what ails you!
Jeff Benda says
Great to hear it worked for them!