Domača Goveja Juha s Sukancem – Old Recipe from my Stara Mama and my Childhood
Some dishes stay with us long after the last bite. They carry memory, comfort, and the quiet warmth of home.
Domača goveja juha s sukancem is one of those dishes. My stara mama, is from a small village in Bela krajina, Slovenia. I was raised on this delicious meal. It has been enjoyed by our family for many generations.
This is a soup that brings me the fondest memories. I ate it during my first pregnancy, when I was very sick, and it was the only thing I could eat. Every spoonful brings me warmth, comfort, and the taste of home.
Soft delicate rolled pieces of dough, golden homemade beef broth, and — in our home — a scoop of mashed potatoes to soak up every drop. Mmmmm! Sooo good!
What Is Domača Goveja Juha s Sukancem?
Domača goveja juha is a traditional Slovenian beef soup, slowly simmered with beef bones, vegetables, and gentle spices until the broth turns rich and golden. *Beef Broth recipe here ->
Sukanec consists of delicate rolled pieces of dough made from flour and eggs. Unlike noodles or pasta, these soft little pieces crumble gently into the broth, absorbing its flavour and creating a comforting texture. While some recipes suggest vegetable broth, we always used homemade beef broth.
This recipe is a memory of Sunday lunches after church, and a piece of Bela krajina carried from one generation to the next.
Traditional Sukanec in Homemade Beef Broth
(Slovenian Beef Soup with Delicate Rolled Pieces of Dough)
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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1½ cups (200 g) all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon salt
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6 cups (1.5 liters) homemade beef broth
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Optional: 2–3 cups freshly made mashed potatoes, for serving
How to Make Traditional Sukanec
This is the way my stara mama and mami prepared it:
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In a medium bowl, beat the eggs first until smooth.
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Add the salt and stir to combine.
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Gradually add the flour and mix with a fork until a thick, lump-free batter forms.
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Using clean hands, gently rub and crumble the mixture into delicate rolled pieces of dough. Ensure there is no visible dry flour — the pieces should be small, soft, and uniform.
The slightly crumbly texture is what makes sukanec so tender and comforting.
Cooking the Soup
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Bring the 6 cups of homemade beef broth to a gentle boil in a pot.
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Slowly add the delicate rolled pieces of dough into the boiling broth, stirring gently to separate them evenly.
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Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The pieces will soften, and the broth will thicken slightly, creating a comforting, golden soup.
To Serve (Optional, but Traditional in Our Home)
Place a generous scoop of warm mashed potatoes in a bowl.
Ladle the hot sukanec and beef broth over the top.
Let the broth soak into the potatoes before taking your first bite.
This is how my stara mama and mami always served it — Every spoonful carries the taste of childhood and the warmth of family.
Why This Recipe Is Special To Me
This authentic Slovenian beef soup with sukanec is an old cherished recipe from my stara mama, it combines homemade beef broth, delicate rolled pieces of dough, and optional mashed potatoes for a comforting, traditional meal.
Perfect for anyone looking to try Slovenian comfort food, this recipe brings the warmth and flavour of our heritage straight to your table. Whether you’re searching for a traditional sukanec recipe or the best homemade beef soup, this dish is a timeless favourite that has nourished our family for generations.
Na zdravje and dober tek 🤍
Michelle XO
