Czech tomato soup (Rajská polévka)

Whether it is prepared with fresh tomatoes or pureed tomato sauce, this creamy and refreshing soup is a staple dish of traditional Czech cuisine. It is usually seasoned with bay leaves, allspice, or cloves, and thickened with sautéed onions and flour.

Although it can be enjoyed on its own, it is traditionally complemented with rice or pasta, and served as a warm, nutritious appetizer.