A Soup for the Soul
Here comes Fall! The illusive cooler breeze, evening fires, and hearty recipes we look forward to every year. October also signals that more family time is near as we approach the holiday season. As Texans, the only thing that can come close to matching our state pride is our individual family heritage. Case and point, Amy Jurica’s dedication to curating the history of the Czech founders in Caldwell, TX.
Since 1999, October has been celebrated as Czech Heritage Month in Texas. As Texicureans, we celebrate the stories of the many different cultures that helped settle Texas. And we always give you a recipe to boot. By mentioning the Czechs, I may have just tingled your taste buds with thoughts of kolaches – but I’m here to expand your palate for one of the largest cultures that settled Texas. Step back in time with my friend Amy and I as we cook warm and time tested sauerkraut soup at the Czech Museum in Caldwell. But first, some history.
Like many early immigrants to Texas, the Czechs were drawn to less expensive farmland and the promise of a stronger economic future. They are a Slavic group that traces roots in Texas to Rev. Josef Arnošt Bergmann. He brought a small group on the several months long arduous trip, arriving in Galveston in March of 1850. He subsequently wrote back to his friends detailing the opportunities Texas held for them. And now Texas boasts the largest Czech population of any state in the United States.
Although most Czechs brought their Catholic Denomination with them, a large constituency were protestant and established the Evangelical Unity of the Bohemian-Moravian Brethren in North America. You also may have seen SPJST or Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas halls in rural Texas towns. SPJST membership is open to everyone, but the organization promotes Czech heritage and culture.
If all this doesn’t make you want to polka, just don your apron and get in the kitchen to make an authentic Czech recipe with us. Bonus points if you turn on some polka music or visit a festival.
Hailing from Caldwell, Texas, Amy knowledgeably shared the influence and history of her Czech ancestors. You see, Amy’s mother co-founded the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum. The museum and people like Amy are entrusted with carrying on the Czech stories and traditions for future generations. Full of artifacts used by the early Czechs, it is a glimpse into the lives of this hardy group. I felt honored to listen and learn from Amy. I couldn’t help but think of all of the individual cultures that have contributed to Texas in this same way. That’s why we take y’all on the Texicureans Trail with us!
And of course, at Texicureans, the conversation always goes back to food. Here’s where that first bowl of warm soup comes in – have you ever tried Sauerkraut Soup? A tradition brought from the old country that relied on readily available ingredients, Amy shared her family’s recipe. Soups were an inexpensive way to feed a family and in the Czech Republic, a way to stay warm. But it was clearly a labor of love as we pulled out an antique mandolin kitchen tool they used to shred the cabbage – the star ingredient.
Practicality aside, this soup will warm your heart. Invite some friends, greet them with Jak se mas? (“How are you?”) and enjoy this age-old soup
Saurkraut Soup
Ingredients
- 3 potatoes large
- 1/2 cup butter 1 stick
- 1 pint sauerkraut
- 1/2 pound ham or sausage
- 1 pint milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream or to taste
- 1/2 pound bacon
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1-2 cloves chopped garlic
- dash msg
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 whole black peppers
- 1 tbsp marjoram
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil three large potatoes. Cover level with water, boil until soft and lightly mash potatoes. Add milk, butter, some sour cream, and sauerkraut.
- Saute bacon, ham or sausage and onion. Add to potato and kraut mixture
- Add spices. Bring to a boil. Ladle into bowls
