Hlebinska Juha - Traditional Croatian Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed mushrooms (porcini, champignon, oyster mushrooms) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed mushrooms (porcini, champignon, oyster mushrooms)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable or mushroom broth 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable or mushroom broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the mushrooms and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable or mushroom broth, and add the parsley, thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard them.
7. 7.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
8. 8.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat gently until warmed through.
9. 9.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
10. 10.
    Serve the Hlebinska Juha hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Make sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly and slice them evenly for consistent cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense mushroom flavor, you can use dried mushrooms in addition to fresh ones. Soak the dried mushrooms in warm water before adding them to the soup.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or vegetable broth.
• Serve the soup with a crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Hlebinska Juha as a comforting starter or pair it with a fresh salad for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley to add a touch of elegance to the presentation.