Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) Recipe

Tangy Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) Recipe

Comfort meets creativity in this unexpected creamy dill pickle soup that surprises even seasoned Polish cuisine enthusiasts.

Briny pickles bring unexpected depth to a classic recipe from poland.

Grandmothers have long cherished this hearty soup as a winter staple.

Cold days call for warm bowls filled with tangy goodness.

Smooth textures and sharp pickle notes dance together in every spoonful.

Ingredients common in polish kitchens combine to create something truly magical.

Dare you to experience a soup that challenges everything you thought you knew about comfort food?

Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) Features

  • Simplify Polish Comfort: Dive into a traditional Polish soup that transforms ordinary ingredients into a creamy, tangy delight perfect for any home cook.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Create this soup with basic kitchen skills, requiring minimal preparation and using common ingredients found in most pantries.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Adjust the soup's tanginess by adding more or less pickle juice, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Warm Family Gathering Dish: Serve this hearty soup as a crowd-pleasing meal that brings people together with its rich, comforting texture and unique flavor profile.

Ingredients for Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa)

Base Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that serves as the foundation of the soup's liquid base.
  • Potatoes: Hearty vegetables that provide substance and a creamy texture to the soup.
  • Dill Pickles: Tangy pickled cucumbers that give the soup its signature zesty flavor.
Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich ingredient that helps sauté the vegetables and adds depth to the soup's flavor.
  • Sour Cream: A creamy element that provides a smooth and rich consistency to the soup.
  • Flour: A thickening agent that helps create a velvety texture in the soup.
Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a robust flavor base for the soup.
  • Carrot: A sweet vegetable that adds subtle depth and color to the soup.
  • Dill, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Pickle Juice: An extra tangy component that intensifies the pickle flavor of the soup.

How to Cook Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa)

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Add minced garlic and stir for another minute to awaken its rich aroma.

Step 2: Build Soup Foundation

  • Chicken broth
  • Cubed potatoes
  • Grated carrots

Pour broth into the pot and add potatoes and carrots.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let the ingredients dance together for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become wonderfully tender.

Step 3: Introduce Pickle Magic

Fold in grated dill pickles and their tangy juice. Allow the soup to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors intertwine and create a harmonious blend.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

In a separate bowl, whisk sour cream and flour until perfectly smooth. Carefully ladle some hot soup into the cream mixture to temper it, then slowly incorporate back into the pot.

Whisk continuously to ensure a silky, lump-free consistency.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Continue cooking for 5 more minutes, stirring frequently until the soup reaches a rich, creamy thickness.

Sprinkle in fresh dill and season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Garnish with additional fresh dill if desired. Serve immediately and savor the tangy, creamy goodness of this Polish-inspired comfort soup.

Tips to Perfect Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa)

  • Choose crisp, tangy dill pickles for the most authentic flavor profile.
  • Whisk sour cream and flour carefully to avoid lumps and ensure a creamy texture.
  • Add extra pickle juice for more intense tanginess if you love sharp, sour notes.
  • Simmer soup gently to prevent sour cream from curdling and maintain silky consistency.
  • Top with fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of richness and visual appeal.

Flavor Options in Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa)

  • Vegetarian Polish Pickle Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add extra firm tofu cubes for protein. Maintain the creamy texture with plant-based sour cream.
  • Low-Sodium Pickle Soup: Use reduced-sodium chicken broth and pickles. Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like parsley and chives instead of extra salt.
  • Dairy-Free Comfort Soup: Swap sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use almond milk to maintain the soup's rich consistency and add nutritional yeast for depth.
  • Keto-Friendly Pickle Soup: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets. Use heavy cream instead of sour cream and reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic Polish soup flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions to Enjoy with Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa)

  • Crusty, tangy rye bread complements the soup's creamy pickle flavor and provides a delightful textural contrast. Its robust taste stands up beautifully to the soup's rich profile.
  • A cold, light Polish or Czech pilsner cuts through the soup's creaminess and enhances its zesty pickle notes. The beer's refreshing character balances the soup's rich texture perfectly.
  • A traditional Polish cucumber salad with dill and sour cream echoes the soup's flavors. The cool, crunchy side dish provides a fresh counterpoint to the warm, creamy soup.

Storage Recommendations for Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa)

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
  • Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to ensure hot throughout.

FAQs

  • Is dill pickle soup a traditional Polish dish?

Yes, zupa ogorkowa is a classic Polish soup that has been enjoyed for generations, particularly in rural and home cooking settings.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based sour cream to create a vegetarian version of the soup.

  • What type of pickles work best for this recipe?

Use traditional Polish-style dill pickles or crisp, tangy dill pickles with a good balance of saltiness and acidity for the best flavor profile.

  • How can I prevent the sour cream from curdling?

Temper the sour cream by slowly adding hot soup liquid and whisking continuously when incorporating it back into the pot to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

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Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) Recipe

Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

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

Description

Polish comfort shines through this creamy dill pickle soup (zupa ogorkowa), blending tangy pickles with rich, velvety broth. Hearty and soul-warming, this soup invites you to savor a delightful journey through traditional Polish culinary heritage.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Aromatic Ingredients:

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

Thickening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup pickle juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm butter in a spacious pot over medium heat until it melts completely and begins to shimmer.
  2. Introduce chopped onions to the melted butter, sautéing until they transform into a translucent, soft texture, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Incorporate minced garlic and stir briefly, releasing its aromatic essence for about 30-45 seconds.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the pot, then add cubed potatoes and grated carrots, raising the temperature until the liquid reaches a rolling boil.
  5. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the vegetables to tenderize for 15-18 minutes, ensuring potatoes become fork-soft.
  6. Fold grated dill pickles and pickle juice into the simmering mixture, letting the ingredients harmonize for an additional 4-5 minutes.
  7. Create a smooth liaison by whisking sour cream with flour in a separate bowl until no lumps remain.
  8. Carefully temper the sour cream mixture by introducing a small portion of hot soup, then gradually reincorporate the tempered blend back into the pot, stirring consistently.
  9. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes, maintaining a steady stir until the soup achieves a creamy, luxurious consistency.
  10. Sprinkle fresh dill throughout the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to personal preference.
  11. Ladle the soup into warm bowls, optionally garnishing with additional fresh dill sprigs for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Make sure to grate pickles finely to distribute flavor evenly throughout the soup without large chunks disrupting the creamy texture.
  • Use full-fat sour cream for richer consistency and prevent curdling by tempering slowly with hot soup liquid before adding back to pot.
  • For vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and add extra herbs like parsley or chives to enhance depth of flavor.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and selecting mild pickles, which helps control salt levels without compromising the signature tangy profile of the soup.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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