Creamy Dill Pickle Soup, also known as zupa ogórkowa, is a delightful Polish dish that combines the tangy, briny flavor of pickles with a creamy broth for a unique and satisfying soup experience. This vegetarian soup is perfect for cold days when you’re craving something warm and comforting with a twist. The combination of pickles and sour cream creates a rich, velvety texture that’s both surprising and delicious.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
This soup is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a comforting meal in less than an hour.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced small
- 2 celery stalks, diced small
- ½ lb pickled gherkins, diced small (250g)
- ½ cup pickle juice (100ml)
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (450g)
- 5 cups vegetable stock (1.25 liters)
- 1 cup sour cream (200ml)
- ½ cup fresh dill, chopped (30g)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the Pickles and Broth:
- Stir in the diced pickled gherkins, pickle juice, cubed potatoes, and vegetable stock.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Incorporate the Sour Cream:
- To avoid curdling, scoop a ladle of the hot soup into the sour cream and stir to temper it. Then whisk this mixture back into the soup.
- Stir in the chopped fresh dill and season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve the Soup:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh dill.
- Serve with sliced dill pickles and rye bread or your favorite crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 312
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 42mg
- Sodium: 1778mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 6g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Dill Pickle Soup:
- Adjust the tanginess: If you prefer a more pronounced pickle flavor, feel free to add more pickle juice or diced pickles. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of pickles or pickle juice.
- Make it richer: For an even creamier soup, you can replace the sour cream with heavy cream or add a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.
- Vegetable Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables like leeks, parsnips, or peas to customize the soup to your liking.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, you can stir in some shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits.
This Creamy Dill Pickle Soup is a wonderful way to enjoy the tangy flavors of pickles in a comforting, creamy dish. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re in the mood for something a little different, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.