Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) Recipe

Tangy Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) Recipe

Craving a comforting polish soup that blends creamy dill pickle magic with hearty flavors?

Smooth textures and tangy notes dance across your palate in this traditional comfort dish.

Generations of polish families have cherished zupa ogorkowa as a warming midday meal.

Our recipe captures authentic ingredients that sing with rustic charm and delightful complexity.

Each spoonful promises a rich, velvety experience that connects you to polish culinary traditions.

Salt, dill, and pickled cucumbers create a symphony of unexpected yet harmonious tastes.

Storing Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) The Right Way

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover with a tight lid to prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing portions with sour cream as it may separate.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until steaming but not boiling.
  • Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

Frequently Asked On Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa)

  • What is the origin of this soup?

This soup is a traditional Polish dish called Zupa Ogorkowa, which originated in Poland as a hearty, comforting soup using pickles and other local ingredients.

  • Are dill pickles different from regular pickles?

Dill pickles are cucumbers pickled with dill herb, giving them a tangy, herbal flavor that’s distinct from sweet or bread-and-butter pickles.

  • Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly while maintaining a similar flavor profile.

  • Is this soup considered healthy?

The soup contains vegetables and provides a good balance of nutrients, though it’s moderately rich due to the sour cream and butter. It’s a nutritious comfort food best enjoyed in moderation.

Why Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) Is Special

  • Savor Authentic Polish Comfort: Dive into a traditional Polish soup that brings heartwarming flavors straight from Eastern European kitchens, perfect for those craving a taste of cultural heritage.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences, making this soup adaptable for different dietary needs and personal flavor profiles.
  • Transform Pantry Staples: Create a delicious meal using common ingredients like pickles, potatoes, and milk, turning simple pantry items into a creamy, satisfying dish.
  • Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with vegetables and protein, this soup offers a balanced meal that provides essential nutrients while delivering incredible taste.

The Ingredients For Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa)

Soup Base:
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that provides the foundational taste for the soup.
  • Dill Pickles: Tangy and crunchy pickles that give the soup its signature flavor profile.
  • Pickle Juice: Adds extra tanginess and depth to the soup's taste.
Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that help thicken and add heartiness to the soup.
  • Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base.
  • Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
Thickening and Creamy Components:
  • Butter, Flour: Create a classic roux to thicken the soup and provide a rich texture.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness and velvety finish to the soup.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor of the soup.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Dill: Provides a bright, herbal note and visual appeal to the finished dish.

How To Make Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa)

Step 1: Prep Vegetable Foundation

Gather all your vegetables and chop them into uniform pieces. In a large pot, toss in pickles, potatoes, onions, and carrots. Pour chicken broth and pickle juice over the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let everything simmer gently until the vegetables become tender and soft.

Step 2: Create Silky Roux Base

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, stirring continuously to create a smooth, golden roux. Slowly pour milk into the mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. The goal is to create a creamy, velvety sauce.

Step 3: Blend Soup Components

Gradually incorporate the milk mixture into the vegetable broth, stirring consistently to ensure a seamless integration. Continue cooking until the soup reaches a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Add Creamy Finish

Remove the pot from heat and fold in sour cream, creating an extra rich and tangy flavor profile. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Stir gently to distribute the sour cream evenly throughout the soup.

Step 5: Serve With Flourish

Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle fresh dill on top for a burst of herbal brightness and visual appeal. Serve immediately while the soup is steaming and at its most delicious.

Smart Tips For Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa)

  • Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this traditional Polish soup.
  • Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Chop pickles and vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Control soup consistency by adjusting milk mixture – add more for a creamier texture or less for a lighter broth.
  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, gently reheating to maintain smooth consistency.

Ways To Change Up Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa)

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add extra root vegetables like parsnips or celery for depth of flavor.
  • Creamy Bacon Pickle Soup: Crisp chopped bacon and sprinkle on top, adding smoky richness to the traditional Polish recipe.
  • Spicy Polish Pickle Soup: Include diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a zesty kick that complements the tangy pickle base.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap milk and sour cream with coconut milk and cashew cream for a lighter, allergen-friendly version that maintains the soup's creamy texture.

Tasty Combos For Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa)

  • Enhance Texture: Match with Smoked Kielbasa – Slice some traditional Polish smoked kielbasa alongside the soup for a protein-rich addition that echoes the soup's Eastern European roots and provides a smoky counterpoint.
  • Refresh the Palate: Serve with Chilled Dill Pickle Vodka – Pour a small shot of Polish dill pickle vodka to intensify the pickle notes and offer a traditional alcoholic companion that mirrors the soup's signature ingredient.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) Recipe

Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogorkowa) Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Polish comfort meets tangy delight in this creamy dill pickle soup (zupa ogorkowa), where briny pickles dance with rich potatoes and creamy broth. Hearty ingredients blend into a soul-warming dish that connects you to traditional Polish kitchen magic.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) diced potatoes
  • 2 large dill pickles, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) pickle juice

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped carrots

Dairy and Thickening Agents:

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream

Seasonings:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh dill

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large pot and combine chicken broth, diced dill pickles, tangy pickle juice, cubed potatoes, chopped onion, and sliced carrots over high heat.
  2. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce temperature to low and allow vegetables to simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  3. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, creating a golden base for the creamy roux.
  4. Gradually sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, golden paste.
  5. Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking consistently to develop a silky, lump-free sauce with a consistent texture.
  6. Gently incorporate the milk mixture into the simmering vegetable broth, stirring constantly to ensure even blending and prevent scorching.
  7. Continue cooking the soup for 3-5 minutes until the liquid slightly thickens and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
  8. Remove the pot from heat and fold in sour cream, creating a luxurious and velvety soup texture.
  9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the complex flavor profile.
  10. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with delicate sprigs of fresh dill for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Pickle Power: Choose crisp, tangy dill pickles with robust flavor for maximum soup impact.
  • Roux Technique: Slowly whisk milk into butter-flour mixture to prevent lumpy texture and ensure silky smoothness.
  • Sour Cream Tip: Add sour cream off heat to prevent curdling and maintain creamy consistency.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian version, use gluten-free flour for celiac-friendly option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star