Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa)
This Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa) is a classic Polish dish that combines the tangy flavor of pickled gherkins with the rich creaminess of sour cream. It’s a perfect winter soup, hearty and satisfying, with just the right balance of flavors from the fresh vegetables, pickles, and a hint of dill. Whether you’re looking to try a new soup recipe or want to dive into traditional Polish cuisine, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced small
- 2 celery stalks, diced small
- 250 g (½ lb) pickled gherkins, diced small
- 100 ml (½ cup) pickle juice
- 450 g (1 lb) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1.25 litres (5 cups) vegetable stock
- 200 ml (1 cup) sour cream
- 30 g (½ cup) fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add the Potatoes:
Add the potatoes to the pot, stirring well to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Let the potatoes cook for another 2-3 minutes to begin softening.
3. Pour in the Stock and Bring to a Boil:
Add the vegetable stock to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Add the Pickles and Pickle Juice:
Once the potatoes are tender, add the pickled gherkins and pickle juice to the soup. Stir to incorporate and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Finish with Sour Cream and Dill:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Make sure it’s fully incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy texture. Add the fresh dill and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well and allow the soup to simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve:
Ladle the Creamy Dill Pickle Soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a slice of rye for a comforting meal.
Tips and Variations
- Pickles: You can adjust the amount of pickles based on your preference for tanginess. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the pickles slightly.
- Meat Option: For a heartier version, add smoked sausage or bacon to the soup for an added savory depth.
- Dairy-Free Version: To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
- Extra Flavor: Adding a bay leaf or a few peppercorns during the simmering process can infuse the soup with extra flavor. Just be sure to remove them before serving.
This Creamy Dill Pickle Soup is a comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of potatoes and vegetables with the tangy zest of pickles, offering a warm, satisfying meal perfect for any season.