Traditional Czech Zelňačka: Sauerkraut Soup with Potatoes, Smoked Sausage, Caraway, Paprika and Sour Cream
Zelňačka is a hearty Czech soup made with sauerkraut, potatoes, and smoked sausage, seasoned with caraway and paprika. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly days and embodies the robust flavors of traditional Czech cuisine.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Melt the lard in a soup pot and cook the onion until soft and lightly golden.
- 2
Add the sausage and brown it lightly. Stir in the garlic, paprika and caraway for no more than 30 seconds so the paprika does not burn.
- 3
Add the sauerkraut, potatoes, stock and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the potatoes and cabbage are tender.
- 4
Whisk the flour into the sour cream, temper it with a ladle of hot soup, then stir it back into the pot.
- 5
Simmer gently for 10 minutes to cook out the flour. Season with salt, pepper and a little reserved sauerkraut brine if more acidity is needed.
Cook notes
Tips
A Czech smoked sausage gives the soup its characteristic savoury depth.
Temper the sour cream before adding it to the hot pot.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of water if needed.
- For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Substitutions
- You can use kielbasa or any smoked sausage in place of smoked sausage.
- Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Sour cream can be replaced with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
What to Serve With
- Rustic bread for dipping
- Potato dumplings as a side
- Pickled vegetables for added crunch
Common Mistakes
- Adding paprika at the end, leaving a raw dusty flavour.
- Boiling cold sour cream directly in the soup and causing it to split.
- Draining away all sauerkraut brine before balancing the final acidity.
Recipe FAQ
What is Zelňačka?
Zelňačka is a traditional Czech soup made with sauerkraut, potatoes, and smoked sausage.
Can I make Zelňačka vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the smoked sausage with vegetarian sausage or omit it and use vegetable broth.
How long does Zelňačka last in the fridge?
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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