Polish Dill Soup Recipe
If you’re craving something cozy, fresh, and delightfully unique, let me introduce you to my favorite go-to comfort food: this Polish Dill Soup Recipe. It’s bright, flavorful, and surprisingly simple—plus, it’s packed with tender veggies, fragrant dill, and that tangy sour cream finish that just makes everything pop. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your rotation.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The blend of dill, marjoram, and a hint of nutmeg creates an aromatic yet comforting flavor profile.
- Perfect Texture: Waxy potatoes and tender carrots give just the right bite without turning mushy.
- Creamy Tang: Sour cream adds richness while brightening the soup, making it irresistibly smooth.
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 35 minutes, this is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays its part in turning this soup into a warming, aromatic experience. When shopping, look for fresh dill and good quality chicken broth; these will truly lift the soup to the next level.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich base flavor without overpowering the delicate herbs.
- Brown Onion: Adds sweet depth when sautéed gently.
- Garlic Cloves: Just the right punch of savory aroma.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the dill’s brightness.
- Scallions: The white and light green parts bring subtle oniony freshness.
- Salt: Essential for boosting all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Dried Marjoram: A classic Polish herb that complements dill beautifully.
- Ground Turmeric: Adds earthy warmth and a gorgeous golden color.
- Ground Nutmeg: A tiny pinch gives a cozy undertone.
- Bay Leaf: Infuses mild herbal notes during simmering.
- Waxy Potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up well without breaking down.
- Frozen Green Peas: Easy to add sweetness and vibrant color anytime.
- Chicken Broth: The heart of the soup—opt for homemade or low sodium for best results.
- Full Fat Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and just the right tang to finish.
- Fresh Dill: The star herb; using fresh makes all the difference in flavor.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love making this Polish Dill Soup Recipe just as it is, but I know everyone likes to put their own spin on things. Feel free to adjust the herbs, the thickness, or the veggies—you really can’t go wrong!
- Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly, and honestly, it’s just as delicious.
- Extra Veggies: Adding chopped celery or leeks gives it a little extra flavor and texture crunch.
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based sour cream and vegetable broth for a dairy-free twist.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of chili flakes or cayenne can bring an unexpected but lovely heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Polish Dill Soup Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Prep Sorted
Before turning on the stove, I like to have everything ready so I can move through the steps smoothly without scrambling. Peel and dice the potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion finely, mince the garlic, slice the scallions, and chop the fresh dill. Having those ready lets the cooking flow naturally.
Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics
Heat butter over medium-low in a large pot. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Cook gently for about a minute until fragrant and soft but not browned—this keeps the flavors sweet and mellow. Then add in the diced carrots and scallions, cooking for another 2 minutes to start softening the veggies.
Step 3: Layer in the Seasonings and Veggies
Stir in the salt, black pepper, dried marjoram, turmeric, nutmeg, and the bay leaf. These spices infuse the soup with that classic Polish flavor you’re after. Then it’s time for the potatoes and green peas to join the party. Pour in the chicken broth, increasing heat to high to bring everything to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer and Let Flavors Meld
Once boiling, cover the pot and lower the heat to let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes. This gives the potatoes and carrots just enough time to tenderize without falling apart. Your kitchen will start smelling incredible, I promise!
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream and Dill
With the heat off or very low, stir in the room temperature sour cream until fully incorporated—this step gives the soup its velvety creaminess. Add 3 tablespoons of the chopped dill, and let the soup cook uncovered for another 5 minutes so the herb flavor really infuses. Give it a taste and tweak salt or pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle the remaining fresh dill on top for that fresh pop of color and flavor. Grab your favorite crusty bread, and you’re all set for a soul-satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for Making Polish Dill Soup Recipe
- Use Fresh Dill: The fresh dill really shines here, so avoid dried dill or add only a small amount as it can turn bitter.
- Sour Cream at Room Temperature: This prevents curdling when mixed in—don’t skip this step, or you’ll end up with chunky soup.
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Dice them evenly and keep an eye on the simmer time to ensure they’re tender but not mushy.
- Adjust Seasoning at the End: Herbs and spices develop over cooking, so do a final taste test and tweak salt or pepper before serving.
How to Serve Polish Dill Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a generous sprinkle of fresh dill on top right before serving—it adds brightness and looks beautiful. Sometimes, I also dollop a little extra sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for creaminess and a bit more tang. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the side is a nice touch for those who want a little zing.
Side Dishes
Crusty rye or sourdough bread pairs perfectly with this soup to soak up every delicious drop. For a light meal, try a simple cucumber salad with dill and lemon, staying in the same fresh, herbaceous flavor family.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I serve this Polish Dill Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls or rustic ceramic mugs. Garnishing with edible flowers alongside dill sprigs has wowed guests at dinner parties and elevates this humble soup to something quite special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mingle even better the next day, making this a fantastic make-ahead option.
Freezing
Freezing works well, but since sour cream can change texture when frozen, I recommend freezing the soup before adding sour cream, then stir it in fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove to prevent curdling or overcooking. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much, and stir in fresh sour cream or dill to revive the flavors before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make Polish Dill Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and skip any meat additions. You can also use plant-based sour cream to keep it fully vegetarian or vegan.
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What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the soup without the sour cream and add it fresh when reheating.
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Can I substitute fresh dill with dried dill?
Fresh dill is ideal for this soup, but if you only have dried, use about one-third of the amount and add it earlier in the cooking process. Keep in mind that dried dill lacks the bright, fresh flavor and can sometimes taste bitter if overused.
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How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?
Make sure your sour cream is at room temperature before stirring it into the warm soup, and add it off heat or on very low heat while stirring continuously.
Final Thoughts
This Polish Dill Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple yet packed with character and warmth. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a comforting hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family and friends. I can’t recommend it enough—you’ll enjoy the bright dill, the creamy tang, and how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, be sure to savor every spoonful!
Print
Polish Dill Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish
Description
Polish Dill Soup is a comforting and flavorful traditional soup featuring tender potatoes, fresh dill, and a creamy sour cream base. This hearty soup is seasoned with aromatic spices like marjoram, nutmeg, and turmeric, offering a unique and warming dish perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 brown onion – finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves – minced
- 3 carrots – peeled and diced
- 2 scallions – white and light green parts, chopped
- 3 waxy potatoes – diced (about 10 oz)
- ½ cup frozen green peas
- 4 tbsp chopped fresh dill – divided
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 bay leaf
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 tbsp full fat sour cream – at room temperature
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and dice the potatoes and carrots. Chop the white and light green parts of the scallions. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the dill.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium low heat in a large pot. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and softened.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the diced carrots and scallions and cook for 2 minutes. Then add salt, black pepper, dried marjoram, ground turmeric, ground nutmeg, and the bay leaf. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Cook Potatoes and Peas: Add the diced potatoes and frozen green peas to the pot, then pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Increase the heat to high, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in the 4 tablespoons of room temperature sour cream until fully incorporated, then add 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh dill. Enjoy your Polish Dill Soup!
Notes
- The nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and measurements.
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for best texture that holds in soup.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Make sure the sour cream is at room temperature to prevent curdling when added to the hot soup.
- This soup can be reheated gently on stovetop and thickens upon standing; add a splash of broth or water if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 214 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg