Czech lentil soup (Čočková polévka)

Čočková polévka is a comforting Czech lentil soup. It is usually made with brown or green dry lentils, root vegetables, and various spices such as marjoram or coriander. Occasionally, it is thickened with flour, while spicy sausages or smoky bacon are sometimes added to create a more nutritious dish.

Traditionally, the soup is prepared on New Year’s Day because it is believed that lentils will bring prosperity to the family, although it is also enjoyed throughout the year and can be found on the menus of many traditional Czech restaurants.