If you’ve never tasted Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa) Recipe, you’re in for a delightful surprise that beautifully blends tangy, creamy, and comforting flavors. This traditional Polish favorite manages to be refreshing and cozy all at once, with every spoonful delivering a luscious, slightly sour punch from the pickles balanced perfectly by the silky creaminess of sour cream. It’s one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug, yet offers a unique brightness that will awaken your taste buds in the best possible way. Whether you’re a pickle lover or new to this unusual soup, once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa) Recipe, the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but play essential roles in creating the depth and character of the dish. Each one contributes to the perfect balance of flavors and texture that make this soup so special.
- Butter: Adds a rich base flavor and helps soften onions to develop sweetness.
- Large onion, finely chopped: Provides a subtle savory backbone that complements the pickles.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Offers a gentle punch of aromatic spice.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that brings everything together.
- Potatoes, peeled and cubed: Give the soup heartiness and a creamy texture as they cook down.
- Carrot, grated: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Dill pickles, grated: The star ingredient, delivering tang and crunch that define the soup’s character.
- Pickle juice: Intensifies the pickle flavor and adds bright acidity—adjust based on your taste.
- Sour cream: Creates that signature creamy, tangy smoothness central to the recipe.
- Flour: Helps thicken the soup for a luscious finish.
- Dill (dried or fresh): Infuses the soup with fresh herbal notes that highlight the pickles beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook it gently until it becomes translucent and soft, usually around 3 to 5 minutes. This is when the soup starts building its aromatic base. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute to release its fragrant essence without letting it burn.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables in Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth. Add the cubed potatoes and grated carrot to the pot. Bring everything up to a boil, then lower the heat and gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes become tender—this step softens the veggies and deepens the soup’s flavors.
Step 3: Add the Pickles and Pickle Juice
Now it’s time to introduce the soul of the soup: the grated dill pickles and pickle juice. Stir these in carefully and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. This allows the tangy flavors to fully infuse the broth, giving your Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa) Recipe its distinctive, vibrant personality.
Step 4: Temper the Sour Cream Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until completely smooth. To avoid curdling, ladle a small amount of the hot soup into this mixture while whisking. Once it’s tempered, pour it slowly back into the pot, stirring continuously to keep the soup silky and lump-free.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
Continue cooking the soup for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently. During this time, the mixture will thicken nicely, reaching that comforting consistency you expect from a creamy soup.
Step 6: Season and Finish with Dill
Add your fresh or dried dill at this stage to brighten the soup with its fragrant herbal flavor. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, stirring well to combine all the delicious layers of flavor.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Your Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa) Recipe is now perfectly cooked and ready to warm up your soul. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and taste, sprinkle some additional fresh dill on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream can also add extra creaminess and a pleasant tang. For a bit of crunch, try adding some crispy bacon bits or toasted bread crumbs.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty rye bread or warm dinner rolls, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. A simple green salad or cucumber salad with light vinaigrette can also add a fresh contrast to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or colorful ceramic soup mugs. You can also drizzle a swirl of sour cream or a few drops of pickle juice on the surface before adding dill garnish to create a visual appeal that invites smiles and compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa) Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its bright flavors and creamy texture. Give it a good stir before reheating as the ingredients may settle.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that the sour cream and potatoes might slightly change texture. For best results, cool the soup completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa) Recipe on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching and to bring it back to its luscious, creamy texture. Avoid boiling after adding the sour cream as it can cause curdling.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and the soup will still be deliciously flavorful and creamy without meat.
Can I use different types of pickles?
Absolutely. Dill pickles are traditional and preferred for their tangy flavor, but bread-and-butter or other varieties can be used. Just be mindful that sweeter pickles will change the soup’s flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still taste great.
How tangy should the soup be?
The level of tanginess depends on how much pickle juice you add. Start with half a cup and taste as you go, adjusting to your preference for a gentle or more pronounced sour note.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add celery, leeks, or peas for added texture and nutrition, but keep the pickle flavor as the star of the show.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa) Recipe that captures both comfort and excitement in one bowl. Creating this soup at home isn’t just about nourishing your body—it’s about sharing a piece of Polish culinary heritage that invites warmth, laughter, and unforgettable flavor. I’m confident that once you make it, you’ll keep coming back for more and sharing it with everyone you love.
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Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6.5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish
Description
Creamy Dill Pickle Soup, or Zupa Ogórkowa, is a comforting Polish classic featuring tender potatoes, tangy dill pickles, and a luscious sour cream base. This soup is vibrant with fresh dill and perfect for a savory, slightly tangy meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 cup dill pickles, grated
- 1/2 cup pickle juice (adjust to taste)
For the Creamy Base
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup flour
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute to develop flavor.
- Simmer Vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth, then add peeled and cubed potatoes and grated carrot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Add Pickles & Juice: Stir in the grated dill pickles and pickle juice, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the tangy flavors.
- Prepare Sour Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk sour cream with flour until smooth. Temper the sour cream by ladling hot soup into the mixture gradually. Slowly stir it back into the pot while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Thicken Soup: Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the soup thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season and Finish: Add fresh or dried dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust pickle juice amount depending on your preferred level of tanginess.
- Use full-fat sour cream for a richer soup.
- You can substitute vegetable broth to make it suitable for vegetarians, but omit the butter or replace it with oil to keep it vegetarian.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening.
- The soup thickens as it cools, so you can adjust the consistency with more broth if reheating.
