Smooth & Tangy Creamy Dill Pickle Soup Recipe (Zupa Ogorkowa)

Polish kitchens have long celebrated this delightful creamy dill pickle soup that surprises taste buds with unexpected comfort.

Grandmothers across poland whisper culinary secrets about zupa ogorkowa’s rich, tangy profile.

Briny pickles dance alongside smooth cream, creating a heartwarming blend of traditional flavors.

Robust potatoes anchor this soup’s delicate texture, while fresh dill adds brightness to each spoonful.

Generations have treasured this recipe as a testament to resourceful cooking that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Winters feel warmer and more inviting when this soup simmers gently on the stove.

You will find yourself falling in love with this unique, soul-satisfying Polish classic that promises pure deliciousness in every bite.

What Makes Creamy Dill Pickle Soup So Special

• Uncover Polish Comfort: Dive into a heartwarming soup that brings traditional Eastern European flavors right to your kitchen, offering a unique twist on classic comfort food.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn how to build layers of flavor by sautéing aromatics, creating a smooth base, and achieving the perfect creamy consistency without complicated steps.
• Quick Family-Friendly Meal: Prepare a nutritious and delicious soup that appeals to both kids and adults, packed with vegetables and tangy pickle flavor that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting pickle intensity, swapping proteins, or adding extra herbs to make it your personal culinary creation that suits your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa)

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the foundation of the soup, providing depth and richness.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add heartiness and help thicken the soup's texture.
• Carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Create a classic flavor base that provides a savory and aromatic foundation for the soup.

• Sour Cream, Flour: Work together to create a smooth, creamy texture and help thicken the soup.

• Dill Pickles, Pickle Juice: Provide the signature tangy and briny flavor that defines this unique Polish soup.

• Butter, Salt, Pepper, Fresh Dill: Enhance the overall flavor profile and add a final touch of brightness to the soup.

How to Prepare Creamy Dill Pickle Soup Perfectly

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and see-through, around 3-5 minutes.

Drop in minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for another minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 2: Create A Hearty Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot.

• Cubed potatoes
• Grated carrots

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat. Let everything simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become wonderfully tender.

Step 3: Welcome The Pickle Party

• Grated dill pickles
• Pickle juice

Allow the soup to bubble softly for 5 minutes, letting all those tangy flavors mingle and get cozy.

Step 4: Achieve Creamy Perfection

In a separate bowl, blend sour cream and flour until silky smooth.

Carefully spoon some hot soup into the cream mixture, then slowly pour this back into the pot. Whisk continuously to prevent any pesky lumps from forming.

Step 5: Final Flavor Flourish

Sprinkle in fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to your heart’s content.

Let the soup simmer for a final 5 minutes, stirring until it reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra dill if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips for Making Creamy Dill Pickle Soup Every Time

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of this comforting Polish soup.
• Enhance the soup's tanginess by adding extra pickle juice or using a mix of different pickle varieties for complex flavor.
• Prevent cream curdling by slowly tempering the sour cream mixture with hot soup before adding it back to the pot.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and thickness in the soup.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium chicken broth and pickles with less salt content.

Variations to Change Up Creamy Dill Pickle Soup

• Vegetarian Pickle Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add extra mushrooms for depth. Use plant-based sour cream to maintain creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Pickle Soup: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets. Reduce cooking time to 10 minutes and maintain same seasoning profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream. Add nutritional yeast for extra flavor complexity and replace butter with olive oil.
• Spicy Polish Pickle Soup: Add chopped jalapeños during onion sautéing. Include red pepper flakes and a dash of hot sauce for extra heat and traditional Polish zesty character.

Pairings That Complement Creamy Dill Pickle Soup Well

• Pair with Crusty Polish Bread: Slice a hearty rye or sourdough bread to soak up the creamy soup's tangy flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Complement with Chilled Vodka: Serve a small shot of crisp Polish vodka alongside the soup, cutting through the richness and providing a traditional Eastern European touch.
• Match with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light, refreshing cucumber salad with dill and sour cream dressing to balance the soup's intense pickle flavor and provide a cool contrast.
• Recommend Pilsner Beer Pairing: Choose a crisp, light Pilsner beer that will cleanse the palate and complement the soup's tangy and creamy profile, creating a harmonious flavor combination.

Best Storage Methods for Creamy Dill Pickle Soup

Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor integrity.

Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the soup will last 2-3 months. Leave slight space for expansion during freezing.

Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Avoid boiling to prevent separation of cream-based ingredients.

Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and consistency to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Is dill pickle soup a traditional Polish dish?

Yes, zupa ogorkowa is a classic Polish soup that has been enjoyed for generations, especially in rural areas where pickles were a staple preservation method.

• What type of pickles work best for this recipe?

Use traditional Polish-style dill pickles or homemade dill pickles with a tangy, salty flavor. Avoid sweet pickles as they will alter the soup’s authentic taste.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and the soup becomes completely vegetarian while maintaining its rich, creamy texture and distinctive pickle flavor.

• How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?

Temper the sour cream by slowly adding hot soup liquid and whisking continuously to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency without separation.

Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish comfort meets tangy delight in this zupa ogorkowa, a creamy dill pickle soup that dances with nostalgic flavors. Hearty and rich, this soup brings Warsaw’s culinary warmth straight to your kitchen, inviting you to savor each spoonful of traditional Polish comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup dill pickles, grated
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup pickle juice

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) dried dill or 1 tablespoon (15 grams) fresh dill, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a spacious cooking vessel, melt butter over medium-high heat, creating a golden base for the aromatic foundation. Gently sauté diced onions until they transform into a translucent, softened state, approximately 4 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and briefly toast for 30-45 seconds, releasing its fragrant essence without browning.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, followed by diced potatoes and grated carrots. Elevate the liquid to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 15-18 minutes, allowing vegetables to tenderize completely.
4. Incorporate grated dill pickles and their tangy juice, stirring to infuse the soup with a vibrant, zesty character. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 4-5 minutes.
5. Create a smooth liaison by whisking sour cream with flour in a separate bowl until no lumps remain. Carefully temper the mixture by gradually introducing hot soup liquid, then slowly integrate the creamy blend back into the pot.
6. Continuously whisk to ensure a silky, uniform texture, preventing any potential clumping. Sprinkle fresh dill and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to heighten the flavor profile.
7. Maintain a low simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and harmonize its complex flavors. Serve immediately, garnished with a delicate sprinkle of fresh dill if desired.

Notes

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, tangy flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent to make the soup suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium pickles and broth, which helps control salt intake without sacrificing the soup’s signature taste.
• Enhance creaminess by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that adds a subtle tang.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 117 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg