This Easy Polish Dill Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! With fresh dill, potatoes, and a creamy base, it’s super comforting and perfect for chilly days.
Whenever I make this soup, I can’t help but smile. It’s a great way to enjoy a bowl of goodness that feels like home. Pair it with crusty bread for an extra cozy treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill: Fresh dill is key here, bringing a bright flavor. If fresh isn’t available, you can use dried dill. However, use only a small amount (about 1 tablespoon) since dried dill is more concentrated.
Potatoes: I prefer Yukon Gold for their creaminess, but any starchy variety works. If you’re looking to save calories, you can swap in cauliflower for a lighter version.
Sour Cream/Heavy Cream: Sour cream gives a nice tang, while heavy cream makes it richer. You can use Greek yogurt for a tangy and healthier alternative. Just stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.
Broth: The original recipe calls for vegetable or chicken broth. Homemade stock is fantastic, but store-bought works perfectly too. To keep it vegetarian, use vegetable broth.
How Do You Make a Creamy Soup Without Curdling?
To ensure a smooth and creamy texture without curdling, follow these simple steps:
- Use room temperature sour cream or heavy cream. Cold cream can shock the soup and cause curdling.
- Turn off the heat before adding the cream. Stirring it in off the heat helps keep it creamy.
- Gradually mix in the cream. Adding it slowly while stirring can help maintain a smooth consistency.
By following these tips, you’ll have a perfectly creamy dill soup every time!
Easy Polish Dill Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort
Ingredients:
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh dill, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar (to add a slight tang)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10-15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and about 20-30 minutes to cook the soup. So, you can enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of dill soup in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This is where the base flavor of your soup starts to build!
2. Create the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which helps thicken your soup later.
3. Add the Broth and Veggies:
Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps from the flour as you stir. Once smooth, add the diced potatoes, carrots, bay leaf, and half of the chopped fresh dill to the pot.
4. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the veggies are tender. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen!
5. Combine with Cream:
Remove the bay leaf and turn off the heat. Stir in the sour cream or heavy cream until everything is well combined. Make sure not to boil the soup after adding the cream to keep it smooth and creamy.
6. Season to Taste:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’d like a little tang, stir in lemon juice or white vinegar at this stage.
7. Serve & Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining fresh dill and optional chopped parsley for a pop of color.
8. Enjoy:
Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or rye rolls on the side for a perfect cozy meal. Each spoonful is like a comforting hug!
This creamy, dill-infused Polish soup delivers comfort with every spoonful — the fresh dill and tender veggies bring a light, fresh flavor balanced by the creaminess, making it a perfect dish for chilly days. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Dried Dill Instead of Fresh Dill?
Yes, you can use dried dill in place of fresh. However, since dried dill is more potent, use only about 1 tablespoon for this recipe. Add it at the same time you would add the fresh dill.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to bring back the creamy texture.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, use a non-dairy cream (like coconut or cashew cream), and skip the butter, using olive oil instead. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of the soup!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like celery, green peas, or spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the hardness of the vegetables. Add softer veggies towards the end of the cooking process.
