Tangy Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) Recipe for Comfort

Polish comfort food meets creamy indulgence in this dill pickle soup that captures the heart of traditional cuisine.

zupa ogorkowa swirls with tangy and rich flavors that dance across your palate.

The soup combines simple ingredients into a surprisingly complex dish beloved in Eastern European kitchens.

Briny pickles meld seamlessly with velvety broth, creating a uniquely satisfying meal.

Generations of Polish families have cherished this hearty recipe passed down through decades of culinary tradition.

Each spoonful promises warmth, nostalgia, and a delightful balance of creamy texture and sharp pickle notes.

You’ll fall in love with this unexpected soup that transforms humble ingredients into a remarkable dining experience.

FAQs

• Why is pickle juice added to the soup?

Pickle juice adds a tangy, briny flavor that is characteristic of traditional Polish pickle soup, enhancing the overall taste and providing a unique acidic dimension to the creamy base.

• Is this soup considered healthy?

While delicious, the soup is moderately rich due to sour cream and butter. It contains vegetables like potatoes and carrots, offering some nutritional value, but should be enjoyed in moderation.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of the soup without compromising its authentic flavor profile.

• What makes this soup a traditional Polish dish?

Zupa Ogorkowa is a classic Polish comfort food that originated in rural areas, utilizing readily available ingredients like pickles, potatoes, and dairy to create a hearty and flavorful soup.

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Ingredients for Zupa Ogorkowa Soup

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid base that provides depth and richness to the soup.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add heartiness and help thicken the soup.
• Dill Pickles: Tangy and crunchy pickles that give the soup its signature flavor and character.
• Sour Cream: A creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps create a smooth texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
• Carrot: A sweet vegetable that adds color and subtle sweetness to the dish.

• Dill, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste and provide a fresh herbal note to the soup.

• Flour, Butter: Ingredients that help create a smooth and creamy consistency in the soup.

• Pickle Juice: Adds an extra tangy punch and deepens the pickle flavor in the soup.

Steps for Creamy Polish Dill Pickle Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Warm up a spacious cooking pot and melt butter over medium-low flame. Toss in finely chopped onions and transform them into a soft, translucent treasure.

After 3-5 minutes, sprinkle minced garlic and let it dance for another minute, releasing its delightful fragrance.

Step 2: Build Hearty Soup Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot.

• Cubed potatoes
• Grated carrots

Crank up the heat until the liquid bubbles, then lower it to a gentle simmer. Let the vegetables become tender and dreamy for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Infuse Pickle Personality

Introduce grated dill pickles and their tangy juice. Stir thoroughly and allow the flavors to mingle and whisper secrets for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Magic

In a separate bowl, blend sour cream and flour until silky smooth. Carefully introduce a splash of hot soup to temper the mixture.

Slowly pour this back into the pot, whisking continuously to prevent any lumpy rebellions.

Step 5: Thicken and Enhance

Continue cooking for 5 more minutes, stirring attentively until the soup reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Sprinkle fresh dill, then season with salt and pepper to your heart’s content.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the soup into waiting bowls.

Optional: Garnish with extra fresh dill for a stunning final touch. Enjoy immediately while it’s piping hot!

Notes for Creamy Dill Pickle Soup Fans

• Grate pickles finely for even flavor distribution and smoother soup texture.
• Use homemade chicken broth for richer, more authentic taste compared to store-bought versions.
• Temper sour cream mixture slowly to prevent curdling and ensure silky smooth consistency.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a meat-free version without losing depth of flavor.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra warmth and complexity in the soup.

Swaps for Pickle Soup Adventurers

• Vegetarian Pickle Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add extra protein like diced tofu or white beans for substance.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, using cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium broth, less pickle juice, and select low-sodium pickles to control salt content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Vegan Polish Soup: Utilize plant-based butter, vegetable broth, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture without animal products.

What Goes Well With Dill Pickle Soup

• Savory Bread Companion: Crusty sourdough or rye bread slices perfectly complement the tangy soup, soaking up the creamy broth and adding delightful texture.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the soup's rich, tangy flavors and cut through its creaminess.
• Protein Partner: Add grilled Polish kielbasa slices on the side or crumbled crispy bacon bits on top to enhance the soup's traditional Eastern European profile and provide a satisfying protein boost.
• Pickle-Friendly Side: Create a quick cucumber salad with dill and vinegar dressing to echo the soup's pickle notes and provide a refreshing, light counterpoint to the creamy soup.

Storing Polish Dill Soup for Later Meals

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if cream-based soup contains potatoes, as texture may change.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
• Transfer soup to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to ensure uniform warmth.

Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Polish kitchens spark magic with zupa ogorkowa, a creamy dill pickle soup that blends tangy pickles and rich broth into comfort on a plate. Hearty, unexpected, and deeply satisfying, this traditional recipe connects you to generations of Polish culinary warmth.

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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 large carrot, grated

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy and Thickeners:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup pickle juice (adjust to taste)

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing chopped onions until they become translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the pot and quickly cook for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, then add cubed potatoes and grated carrots, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer.
4. Allow the vegetables to cook for 15-18 minutes, or until potatoes reach a tender consistency when pierced with a fork.
5. Incorporate grated dill pickles and pickle juice into the simmering liquid, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
6. In a separate small bowl, create a smooth mixture of sour cream and flour by whisking until no lumps remain.
7. Carefully temper the sour cream mixture by gradually adding a small amount of hot soup, then slowly integrate this combined liquid back into the pot while continuously whisking.
8. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and allow the soup to thicken naturally.
9. Finish the soup by stirring in fresh dill, then season with salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
10. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and optionally garnish with additional fresh dill sprigs for enhanced visual appeal and flavor.

Notes

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of the soup, ensuring no meat-based ingredients are used.
• Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a substitute when whisking with sour cream to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Adjust pickle intensity by selecting milder or sharper pickles, allowing customization of the soup’s tangy flavor profile.
• Enhance creaminess by adding a splash of heavy cream or using full-fat sour cream for a richer texture and more luxurious mouthfeel.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg