Lička juha (Croatian Mushroom Soup)

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh mushrooms (porcini, champignon, or a mix) 500g (1.1 lb) fresh mushrooms (porcini, champignon, or a mix)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable or chicken broth 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream or crème fraîche for serving Sour cream or crème fraîche for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Clean the mushrooms and slice them into thin pieces. Add the mushrooms to the pot and cook for 10 minutes, allowing them to release their juices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf from the soup and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
7. 7.
   Serve the Lička juha hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Make sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly before slicing them. If using porcini mushrooms, gently brush off any dirt with a soft brush or cloth. For champignon mushrooms, wipe them clean with a damp paper towel.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of vegetable and chicken broth.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can cut the mushrooms into larger pieces.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or leeks for added depth and texture.
• To make it more filling, serve the soup with a side of cooked rice or noodles.
• If you don't have sour cream or crème fraîche, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt.

Serving advice

Lička juha is best served hot. Garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Presentation advice

Serve the Lička juha in individual soup bowls, making sure to distribute the mushrooms and vegetables evenly. The vibrant colors of the soup and the garnish of sour cream or crème fraîche will make it visually appealing. Pair it with a rustic bread basket for an authentic Croatian touch.