Authentic Polish Czernina: A Traditional Duck Blood Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pair of duck legs
  • 2 litres of water
  • 1 cup of dried fruit (prunes, pears, apples)
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons of flour
  • 1 cup of duck blood
  • 1 teaspoon of marjoram
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4-5 grains of allspice
  • 2-3 grains of black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by washing the duck legs and place them in a large pot, then add the 2 litres of water.
  2. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the meat is tender. This should take about 2 hours.
  3. While the duck is cooking, chop the onion and garlic.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan, add the onion and garlic and sauté until they are golden brown.
  5. Add the sugar to the pan and continue cooking until the sugar caramelizes and turns a dark brown color.
  6. Stir in the flour and continue cooking for another minute.
  7. Once the duck is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool. Then remove the meat from the bones and chop it into small pieces.
  8. Add the onion and garlic mixture to the pot with the duck broth, then add the dried fruit, marjoram, bay leaf, allspice, and black pepper.
  9. Bring the broth back to a boil and let it simmer for another 30 minutes.
  10. Stir in the duck blood and continue simmering for another 10 minutes.
  11. Add the chopped duck meat back into the pot and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
  12. Add salt to taste and serve the soup hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the duck legs and make the broth.
  • Pan - Used to sauté the onion and garlic.
  • Chopping board - Required to chop the onion and garlic.
  • Knife - Used to chop the onion, garlic, and duck meat.
  • Measuring cup - Needed to measure the dried fruit and duck blood.
  • Wooden spoon - Used for stirring the ingredients in the pot.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken legs instead of duck legs for a lighter flavor.
  • Replace the dried fruit with fresh fruit like apples or plums.
  • Add some vegetables like carrots, celery, or parsnips for extra flavor and texture.
  • For a thicker consistency, add cooked barley or noodles to the soup.
  • Experiment with different spices such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the duck meat with mushrooms or tofu.
  • Add a splash of red wine or apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
  • Instead of using flour, try thickening the soup with potato starch or cornstarch.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream for a creamy finish.
  • Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or dumplings.

Recipe overview

Czernina is a traditional Polish soup made with duck blood, dried fruit, and spices. It's a rich and hearty dish that is often served on special occasions. The name "Czernina" is derived from the word "czarny", which means black in Polish, referring to the dark color of the soup. Despite its unusual main ingredient, Czernina is loved for its unique flavor profile. The soup has a sweet and sour taste thanks to the dried fruit and duck blood, making it a truly palatable delicacy. Making Czernina requires a few steps and a couple of hours to prepare, as the duck needs to be cooked slowly to extract maximum flavor and to ensure the meat is tender. The cooking process involves simmering the ingredients slowly, allowing the flavors to blend together wonderfully. This recipe will guide you through the steps to make this traditional Polish dish from scratch. Enjoy the process of cooking Czernina and savor the distinct flavors of this Polish cuisine staple.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken instead of duck? No, traditionally Czernina is made with duck. The flavor and texture of the dish may vary if you substitute chicken.
  2. Where can I find duck blood? Duck blood can be obtained from specialty butcher shops or farms that sell fresh poultry. You may need to call ahead to check availability.
  3. Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit? No, dried fruit is an essential ingredient in Czernina as it provides a unique sweetness and texture to the dish. Fresh fruit will not yield the same result.
  4. Can I freeze Czernina? Yes, Czernina can be frozen for future consumption. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.
  5. Can I omit the sugar? While the sugar adds a touch of sweetness and helps with caramelization, you can choose to omit it if you prefer a less sweet flavor. However, note that it may alter the overall taste of the dish.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting surface for chopping the onion, garlic, and duck meat.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp knife for cutting the ingredients and chopping the duck meat.
  • Large pot - A pot large enough to cook the duck legs and make the soup.
  • Wooden spoon - A utensil for stirring the soup while it simmers.
  • Pan - A frying pan for sautéing the onion and garlic.
  • Measuring cup - A cup for measuring the dried fruit and duck blood.
  • Tablespoon - A tablespoon for measuring the sugar, vegetable oil, and flour.
  • Teaspoon - A teaspoon for measuring the marjoram.

Origin stories

Czernina, also known as duck blood soup, is a traditional Polish dish that has a rich history. It is said to have been a delicacy in Polish noble houses, where ducks were bred for the sole purpose of creating this unique soup. However, beyond its noble origins, Czernina holds a peculiar place in Polish romantic customs. Yes, the humble soup was also a symbol of romantic rejection. In a traditional Polish courtship, when a man asked a woman's family for her hand in marriage, he would be served Czernina if the answer was "no". Thus, if a suitor was served the dark soup, he knew without a word being said that he had been rejected. Despite this somewhat melancholic association, the soup remains a popular dish and is considered a symbol of Polish culinary heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.