There is something incredibly comforting and soul-warming about a bowl of Polish Potato Soup Recipe, also known as zupa ziemniaczana. This classic dish brings together simple, wholesome ingredients like tender potatoes, aromatic onions, and fresh dill to create a silky and flavorful soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re craving a vegetarian meal or want to add a smoky twist with kielbasa, this Polish potato soup delivers layers of taste and texture that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Polish Potato Soup Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring their own touch of flavor and body to the soup. From the creamy potatoes to the fragrant herbs and optional smoked meat, every element plays a vital role in making this dish comforting and delicious.
- Potatoes (4 cups peeled and diced): The star of the soup, providing a creamy base and hearty texture.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
- Oil (1 tablespoon): Balances the butter and prevents sticking during sautéing.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Builds a sweet, savory foundation for the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Introduces a gentle aromatic depth without overpowering.
- Carrot (1 large, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
- Parsnip (1, diced, optional): Offers a slight earthiness and complexity if you choose to include it.
- Vegetable or chicken broth (5 cups): Creates a flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
- Marjoram (½ teaspoon): A signature herb that lends a delicate, floral note typical in Polish cooking.
- Salt (½ teaspoon or to taste): Enhances all the flavors, making them pop.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and depth.
- Sour cream (¾ cup): Gives the soup its luxuriously creamy texture and tangy brightness.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the soup gently without heaviness.
- Fresh dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): The finishing touch with its fresh, slightly citrusy aroma.
- Chopped smoked kielbasa or bacon (optional garnish): A smoky, savory boost if you want richness and a meaty twist.
How to Make Polish Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming the butter and oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook it gently until it becomes soft and translucent, about five minutes. This step is crucial because it forms the flavor base of the soup, allowing the natural sweetness of the onions to bloom without bitterness.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Root Vegetables
Next, stir in the garlic along with the diced carrot and optional parsnip. Cook everything for another three to four minutes. This brief sauté keeps the garlic from burning and allows the carrots and parsnips to soften slightly, enhancing the soup’s natural sweetness and depth.
Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Broth
Toss in the diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Season the mixture with marjoram, salt, and pepper. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This slow simmering softens the potatoes perfectly and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Temper and Add Sour Cream
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until smooth. To prevent curdling, gradually add a ladle of the hot soup to the sour cream mixture, whisking constantly to temper it. Then, pour this creamy blend back into the pot, stirring well. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional five minutes to thicken slightly and develop a luscious creaminess.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Dill and Adjust Seasoning
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh dill for a burst of herbaceous brightness. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. At this point, if you’re using smoked kielbasa or bacon, sprinkle it over the top as a savory garnish. Your Polish Potato Soup Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Polish Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can elevate your soup from delicious to unforgettable. Fresh dill adds a fresh, vibrant herbal note, while smoked kielbasa or bacon offers a wonderful smoky contrast to the smooth potatoes. A dollop of extra sour cream can also give a cool tangy finish.
Side Dishes
Because the soup is hearty on its own, pairing it with rustic rye bread or crusty rolls creates a complete meal. These sides are perfect for dipping and soaking up every luscious spoonful, adding texture and enhancing the comforting experience of this Polish classic.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in deep bowls surrounded by veggie sticks or pickles for a traditional Polish touch. For a modern twist, garnish with microgreens or a drizzle of herb-infused oil. You can even serve it in mini bread bowls for a fun, crowd-pleasing presentation that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Polish Potato Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavors. Before serving leftover soup, give it a good stir, as the texture may thicken after chilling.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that potatoes might change texture be a bit grainy after thawing. To minimize this, freeze the soup without the sour cream mixture and stir it in fresh after reheating. Freeze in airtight containers for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup and bring back its creamy consistency. Stir in fresh sour cream and dill after reheating for the fullest flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this Polish Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and skip the kielbasa or bacon garnish, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version full of plant-based goodness.
What is the purpose of tempering the sour cream?
Tempering sour cream prevents it from curdling when added to hot liquid, ensuring a smooth and creamy soup texture instead of a lumpy one.
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a similar tangy creaminess, but add them at the end and avoid boiling after adding to keep the texture smooth.
Is marjoram essential in this recipe?
While not absolutely essential, marjoram adds a subtle floral note characteristic of Polish cuisine, enhancing the soup’s authenticity and flavor complexity.
How can I make this soup more filling?
Add chopped smoked sausage or bacon for extra protein and smoky flavor, or serve it alongside a hearty salad or bread to make your meal more substantial.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a warm embrace and brings a touch of traditional Polish comfort to your table, this Polish Potato Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s easy to prepare, uses humble ingredients, and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for all those moments when you need a cozy, flavorful escape.
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Polish Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Polish Potato Soup, also known as zupa ziemniaczana, is a comforting and creamy traditional soup made with tender potatoes, fresh vegetables, and a hint of marjoram. Enriched with sour cream and fresh dill, this hearty soup can be made vegetarian or enhanced with smoked kielbasa or bacon for extra flavor. Perfectly served with rye bread or crusty rolls, it’s a warm and satisfying meal rooted in Polish cuisine.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 parsnip, diced (optional)
- 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon marjoram
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Thickening and Flavor Enhancers
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Optional Garnish
- Chopped smoked kielbasa or bacon
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, diced carrot, and parsnip if using, cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Cook Potatoes in Broth: Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Season the mixture with marjoram, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
- Prepare Sour Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and all-purpose flour until smooth. To temper the sour cream and avoid curdling, slowly add a ladle of the hot soup to the mixture while whisking constantly.
- Combine and Thicken Soup: Pour the tempered sour cream mixture back into the soup, stirring well to combine. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh dill and taste the soup, adjusting the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra dill and, if desired, chopped smoked kielbasa or bacon for added richness.
Notes
- This traditional Polish soup can be easily made vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting the meat garnish.
- Adding smoked kielbasa or bacon gives the soup a smoky depth, enhancing its flavor profile.
- Pairs wonderfully with rye bread or crusty rolls for a complete meal.
- The sour cream and flour mixture is key to achieving the soup’s creamy texture without lumps.
- If parsnip is unavailable or undesired, it can be omitted without significantly affecting the soup’s flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish
