Traditional Croatian Dill Soup
This Traditional Croatian Dill Soup, cherished by my family for over a century, embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort. Discovered in my grandmother's handwritten recipe book, this delightful soup is a blend of fresh dill, creamy sourness, and rich flavors. A perfect dish for any season, it is both nourishing and aromatic, showcasing the vibrant taste of dill. Serve it with crispy bread cubes for a delightful texture contrast, making it an unforgettable meal for family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh dill
100 g (finely minced, including stems)
butter
40 g (divided - 20 g for sautéing onion and 20 g for frying bread)
onions
20 g (finely minced)
flour
5 g (no preparation needed)
egg yolk
1 (no preparation needed)
egg white
1 (only the white part, optional)
sour cream
100 g (no preparation needed)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (no preparation needed)
water
1 liter (no preparation needed)
salt
to taste (no preparation needed)
pepper
to taste (no preparation needed)
bread
150 g (cut into small cubes)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely mincing the onion. In a large pot, heat 20 g of butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
2
Sprinkle in the flour and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent browning.
3
Gradually add the water to the pot, stirring constantly to create a smooth and creamy liquid. Once combined, add the remaining water, ensuring no lumps remain.
4
Finely mince the fresh dill, including the stems, and add it to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 30-40 minutes, until the dill is tender and the flavors meld together.
5
While the soup is simmering, cut the bread into small cubes. In a separate pan, melt the remaining 20 g of butter over medium heat and add the bread cubes. Fry until they are dry and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
6
Once the soup is finished cooking, in a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the egg yolk and lemon juice. Slowly add this mixture to the hot soup, stirring gently to combine.
7
If desired, whisk the egg white until fluffy and incorporate it into the soup just before serving for added richness and texture.
8
Serve the soup hot, garnished with crispy bread cubes for an extra crunch. Enjoy your traditional Croatian dill soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Croatian Dill Soup?
It is a cherished family recipe from Croatia that features fresh dill, a creamy base, and crispy bread cubes.
Where does this recipe originate?
This recipe was discovered in the grandmother's handwritten recipe book and has been a family favorite for over a century.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for approximately 30-40 minutes until the dill is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Should I include the dill stems in the soup?
Yes, the recipe specifies finely mincing the fresh dill, including the stems, for the best flavor.
How is the creamy base of the soup created?
The creaminess comes from a mixture of sour cream, egg yolk, and lemon juice added at the end of the cooking process.
What serves as a garnish for this soup?
The soup is served with homemade crispy bread cubes fried in butter for a texture contrast.
How much water is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 liter of water, added gradually to ensure a smooth consistency.
Is the egg white used in this recipe?
The egg white is optional; it can be whisked until fluffy and incorporated at the end for added richness.
How do I prepare the onions for the soup?
You should finely mince 20g of onions and sauté them in butter until they are soft and translucent.
Why is flour used in the recipe?
A small amount of flour (5g) is sautéed with the onions to act as a thickening agent for the soup.
How much butter is needed in total?
A total of 40g of butter is used: 20g for the onion sauté and 20g for frying the bread cubes.
What is the role of lemon juice in the soup?
One tablespoon of lemon juice is mixed with the sour cream to provide a bright, tangy balance to the rich flavors.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients including dill, butter, onions, flour, eggs, sour cream, lemon juice, water, seasonings, and bread.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a nourishing and aromatic dish that embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
While fresh dill is specified for its vibrant taste, fresh is highly recommended to achieve the authentic traditional flavor.
How long does it take to fry the bread cubes?
The bread cubes should be fried in butter for about 5-7 minutes until they are dry and crispy.
What is the best way to prevent lumps in the soup?
Gradually adding the water while stirring constantly after sautéing the flour will ensure a smooth, lump-free liquid.
How much fresh dill is used?
The recipe requires 100g of fresh dill, which provides a very aromatic and flavorful profile.
When should the sour cream mixture be added?
The sour cream mixture should be stirred gently into the hot soup once it has finished its 30-40 minute simmer.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a vegetable-based soup, though it contains dairy (butter and sour cream) and eggs.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Common tags include soup, croatian, dill, vegetable, traditional, and comfort food.
How much bread is needed for the croutons?
The recipe calls for 150g of bread to be cut into small cubes and fried.
How do I season the soup?
The soup is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste during the initial simmering stage.
What is the texture of the finished soup?
The soup is smooth and creamy, contrasted by the crunchy texture of the butter-fried bread cubes.
Can this soup be served cold?
While most enjoy it hot for maximum comfort, it can be served according to personal preference, though tradition dictates serving it hot.
How many onions do I need?
The recipe uses 20g of finely minced onions.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to finely mince the onion and sauté it in 20g of butter for 3-5 minutes.
Is there any special preparation for the flour?
No special preparation is needed for the flour; it is added directly to the sautéed onions.
What does the egg yolk contribute?
The egg yolk is mixed with sour cream to add richness, body, and a silky mouthfeel to the soup.
How do you achieve the 'vibrant taste' mentioned in the description?
The vibrant taste is achieved by using a generous amount of fresh dill and adding a touch of lemon juice for brightness.