When it comes to hearty, comforting food that’s full of flavor and history, few cuisines can rival that of the Czech Republic. From rich stews and soups to savory meats and sweet pastries, Czech cooking has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore 20 authentic Czech recipes that showcase the best of the country’s culinary traditions.
From classic dishes like Beef Goulash with Dumplings and Roasted Pork with Sauerkraut and Dumplings to sweet treats like Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce and Plum Dumplings with Butter and Cinnamon, these recipes are sure to transport your taste buds to the rolling hills and charming towns of the Czech Republic.
Beef Goulash with Dumplings
This hearty Beef Goulash with Dumplings recipe is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night. Tender chunks of beef simmer in a rich and flavorful broth, served with soft and fluffy dumplings.
Ingredients:
– 500g beef stewing steak, cut into 2cm cubes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 250ml beef stock
– 150ml red wine
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 200g plain flour
– 100ml warm water
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the stock, wine, tomato paste, paprika, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender.
5. To make dumplings, combine flour and warm water in a bowl; mix to form a dough. Roll out and cut into small squares.
6. Add the dumplings to the pot and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Roasted Pork with Sauerkraut and Dumplings
A hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of roasted pork, tangy sauerkraut, and fluffy dumplings.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup sauerkraut, drained
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a roasting pan.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. While the pork is cooking, prepare dumplings. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, and water. Season with salt and pepper. Drop by spoonfuls onto the sauerkraut, which has been spread out in a single layer.
6. Continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through.
Cooking Time: Total cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Czech Potato Soup
Warm up with a hearty bowl of Czech-inspired potato soup, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, milk, and flour. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Fried Cheese with Tartar Sauce
Fried Cheese with Tartar Sauce Recipe
Summary: Crispy fried cheese served with a tangy tartar sauce is the perfect comfort food. This recipe is easy to make and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of cheddar or mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each cheese slice into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat. Place coated cheese slices on a plate or tray.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
5. Fry the coated cheese slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove fried cheese from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve hot with tartar sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Paprikash with Bread Dumplings
A classic Hungarian dish that warms the soul, this recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful paprika sauce, and soft bread dumplings for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground caraway seeds
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat), cubed
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tbsp milk
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add chicken, caraway seeds, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides.
3. Pour in broth, tomato paste, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken is tender.
4. Meanwhile, combine bread cubes, egg, and milk. Mix well and set aside.
5. To make dumplings, drop spoonfuls of the bread mixture into the paprika sauce. Cover pot and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
Czech Garlic Soup
Experience the bold flavors of Czech cuisine with this hearty garlic soup. Perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 3 large cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Beef Sirloin in Cream Sauce
This rich and flavorful recipe combines tender beef sirloin with a creamy sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Remove beef from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Return beef to skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until beef reaches desired doneness.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fruit Dumplings with Cottage Cheese
A sweet and creamy treat that’s perfect for a warm weather dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 egg, beaten
– Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, sugar, flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add water and mix until a thick batter forms.
4. Add beaten egg and mix well.
5. Spoon small amounts of the mixture onto a floured surface. Shape into dumplings.
6. Place fruit in the center of each dumpling. Fold dough over to enclose fruit, pressing edges together to seal.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (optional). Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Czech-style Potato Salad
A classic Czech dish that’s perfect for picnics or family gatherings, this potato salad is a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional potato salads.
Ingredients:
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon white vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional)
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, mayonnaise, parsley, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (boiling potatoes), 30 minutes (chilling)
Braised Rabbit with Dumplings
A hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening, this braised rabbit recipe combines the tender flavors of rabbit with the warmth of homemade dumplings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb rabbit pieces (such as legs, thighs, and shoulders)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the rabbit with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the rabbit on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add red wine and chicken broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Braise for 1 hour.
7. Meanwhile, prepare dumplings by combining flour and melted butter in a bowl. Gradually add hot braising liquid, stirring until a dough forms.
8. Remove rabbit from pot and stir in dumplings. Return to oven and braise for an additional 15 minutes.
9. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Sweet Kolaches with Fruit Filling
Sweet Kolaches with Fruit Filling Recipe
These sweet kolaches are a delightful twist on the traditional Czech pastry. Soft, fluffy dough wraps around a surprise filling of sweet and tangy fruit.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Filling of your choice (such as strawberry jam and sliced strawberries or blueberry jam and fresh blueberries)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water and melted butter to form a smooth dough.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Place your chosen filling in the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around it.
6. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a triangle or a circle shape.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pork Schnitzel with Potato Salad
Get ready to savor a classic Austrian dish that combines the crispiest pork cutlets with a creamy potato salad.
Ingredients:
For the Pork Schnitzel:
– 4 pork cutlets (about 1/2 pound each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the Potato Salad:
– 3-4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each pork cutlet into the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Dip floured pork into eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry schnitzels for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, boil diced potatoes until tender. Drain and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve pork schnitzel hot with potato salad on the side.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes total, including frying time.
Czech Onion Soup
Warm up with this hearty and flavorful Czech onion soup, a staple of traditional Czech cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
2. Sprinkle caraway seeds and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until onions are very tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, let it cool and blend in a blender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. If desired, stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or dill.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Roast Duck with Red Cabbage
Roast Duck with Red Cabbage Recipe
Roast duck takes center stage alongside sweet and tangy red cabbage in this hearty winter dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 (3-4 lb) duck, patted dry
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 large red cabbage, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the duck, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Place the duck in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
5. Roast for 30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. While the duck is cooking, toss the sliced red cabbage with salt to taste.
7. In a large skillet, sauté the cabbage over medium heat until caramelized and slightly charred.
8. Serve the roasted duck alongside the sweet and tangy red cabbage.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours for a 3-4 lb duck
Plum Dumplings with Butter and Cinnamon
Warm up with a classic treat that’s perfect for any season – Plum Dumplings with Butter and Cinnamon!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/2 cup plums, chopped (fresh or dried)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Add melted butter, chopped plums, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. While dumplings are still warm, melt an additional 2 tablespoons of butter. Brush the butter over the dumplings.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Czech-style Beef Roast
A hearty and flavorful beef roast, inspired by traditional Czech cuisine. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy Sunday dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 kg beef chuck roast (or similar cut)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Season the roast with salt and pepper.
3. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add the sliced onion to the pot and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally. This will take about 20-25 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Add the beef broth and caraway seeds to the pot. Stir to combine.
7. Return the roast to the pot, cover with a lid or foil, and transfer to the preheated oven.
8. Roast for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Lentil Soup with Smoked Sausage
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of tender lentils, smoky sausage, and aromatic spices. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 smoked sausage (such as Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add the lentils, sausage, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce
Apple strudel, a classic dessert that embodies the warmth and coziness of autumn, is now even more indulgent with the addition of creamy vanilla sauce. This recipe combines tender apples, flaky pastry, and a hint of cinnamon to create a delightful treat for any season.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup vanilla sauce (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Spoon apple mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Fold other half of pastry over filling, pressing edges to seal.
5. Brush with melted butter and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Vanilla Sauce:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy.
Czech-style Pickled Sausages
Czech-style Pickled Sausages Recipe
A classic Czech dish that’s perfect for a quick snack or as an addition to your favorite meals, these pickled sausages are a flavorful and tangy treat.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 pork sausages (preferably Czech-style or knockwurst)
– 1 cup vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 tbsp caraway seeds
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and caraway seeds in a large saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook the sausages according to package instructions or grill them until browned and cooked through.
4. Once the sausages are cooked, add them to the pickling liquid and let them cool in the refrigerator.
5. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Enjoy your delicious Czech-style pickled sausages!
Vanilla Crescents with Powdered Sugar
Vanilla Crescents with Powdered Sugar Recipe
These buttery, flaky crescents are infused with the warmth of vanilla and finished with a sweet powdered sugar coating.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add cold butter to the dry ingredients; use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead a few times until it comes together.
6. Roll out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., crescents, triangles).
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each crescent.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Discover the rich flavors and hearty dishes of Czech cuisine with these 20 authentic recipes. From classic comfort foods like Beef Goulash with Dumplings and Roasted Pork with Sauerkraut and Dumplings, to innovative twists like Fried Cheese with Tartar Sauce and Fruit Dumplings with Cottage Cheese, there’s something for every palate. Explore traditional favorites like Chicken Paprikash with Bread Dumplings and Braised Rabbit with Dumplings, or indulge in sweet treats like Sweet Kolaches with Fruit Filling and Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce. These recipes are sure to transport you to the heart of Europe.
