Description
Polish Dill Soup, also known as Zupa Koperkowa, is a creamy and comforting potato soup infused with fresh dill and vegetables. This hearty soup features tender carrots, diced potatoes, green peas, and scallions simmered in chicken broth, then enriched with full-fat sour cream and vibrant dill. It’s a perfect, budget-friendly meal ideal for lunch or a light dinner that offers warmth and rich flavors, highlighting traditional Polish cuisine.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 brown onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 3 waxy potatoes, diced
- ½ cup frozen green peas
Liquids and Seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp marjoram
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 bay leaf
Finishing Touches
- 4 tbsp full-fat sour cream
- 4 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients. Chop all vegetables—onion, garlic, carrots, scallions, and potatoes—and measure out spices and other ingredients to have them ready for cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to build a flavorful base.
- Cook Vegetables. Add the diced carrots and chopped scallions to the pot and sauté for an additional 2 minutes to slightly soften them and combine flavors.
- Add Seasoning. Stir in salt, pepper, marjoram, turmeric, nutmeg, and the bay leaf, evenly distributing the spices for depth of flavor.
- Simmer Soup. Add the diced potatoes and frozen green peas to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Until Tender. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables, especially potatoes and carrots, become tender.
- Add Cream and Dill. Remove the lid, stir in the full-fat sour cream and the chopped fresh dill, and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes to blend the flavors and lightly thicken the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh dill for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use waxy potatoes to maintain a good texture without becoming too mushy.
- Fresh dill is key to authentic flavor, but dried dill can be a substitute if needed—use 1 teaspoon dried dill instead of fresh.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adding the sour cream at the end prevents curdling and ensures a creamy finish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish
