There’s something magical about the simplicity of a bowl of soup—it can warm your soul, remind you of family dinners, and transport you straight to homey kitchens across the world. Polish Dill Soup, known as Zupa Koperkowa, is one of those classic comfort soups that embodies both heartiness and freshness. With its delicate combination of tender vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a creamy touch of sour cream, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
This traditional Eastern European soup is easy to make, yet it tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The key ingredient—fresh dill—gives it a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the rich, velvety broth and tender vegetables. Perfect as a starter, a light lunch, or even a full meal with a slice of crusty bread, Polish Dill Soup is versatile, wholesome, and utterly comforting. Whether you’re revisiting your heritage or simply exploring new flavors, this soup brings a touch of Polish culinary tradition to your table.
Recipe Overview
Polish Dill Soup is a creamy, aromatic soup featuring tender potatoes, carrots, and peas in a lightly spiced broth enriched with sour cream and fresh dill. Simple yet flavorful, it balances richness with freshness, making it perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients & Instructions
Here’s how to make this traditional soup from scratch, along with tips to elevate its flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 brown onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 scallions, chopped (white and light green parts)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 waxy potatoes, diced (about 10 oz)
- ½ cup frozen green peas
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 4 tbsp full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 4 tbsp chopped fresh dill, divided
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by washing, peeling, and dicing the potatoes and carrots. Chop the onion, scallions, and dill, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped before you cook makes the process smooth and efficient.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then stir in the carrots and scallions, cooking another 2 minutes to soften slightly and release their flavors.
Tip: Keep the heat moderate to prevent the butter from browning too quickly; you want a gentle, sweet aroma.
3. Add Spices
Stir in salt, pepper, marjoram, turmeric, nutmeg, and the bay leaf. These spices give the soup its characteristic warmth and subtle complexity.
4. Add Vegetables and Broth
Add the diced potatoes, green peas, and chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer until the potatoes and carrots are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Tip: Use a waxy potato like Yukon Gold to keep the pieces intact while simmering.
5. Finish with Sour Cream and Dill
Once the vegetables are tender, stir in sour cream and 3 tbsp of chopped fresh dill. Let the soup cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld while thickening slightly.
Tip: To prevent the sour cream from curdling, temper it by whisking a small amount of hot soup into the sour cream before adding it to the pot.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste your soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf, ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with the remaining fresh dill. Serve warm with a slice of crusty bread or a soft dinner roll for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips & Variations
Polish Dill Soup is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary needs:
1. Vegetarian Option
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like parsnips or zucchini for extra body.
2. Creaminess Adjustments
For a richer soup, stir in an extra tablespoon of sour cream or even a splash of heavy cream. For a lighter version, reduce the sour cream or use yogurt.
3. Herb Enhancements
While dill is the star, a touch of fresh parsley or chives can add extra freshness and depth.
4. Make Ahead
This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
5. Textural Tweaks
For a smoother texture, blend half of the soup before adding sour cream, creating a creamy, silky consistency while keeping some vegetable chunks for bite.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the sour cream.
Serving Ideas
Serve Polish Dill Soup as a light lunch or appetizer. Pair it with:
- Crusty bread or rye bread for dipping
- A simple green salad for a balanced meal
- Pickled vegetables to echo traditional Polish flavors
The combination of creamy broth, tender vegetables, and fresh dill makes this soup both comforting and elegant.
Polish Dill Soup is more than just a bowl of broth and vegetables—it’s a taste of Polish heritage, a celebration of fresh dill, and a heartwarming meal that comforts and nourishes. Easy to prepare and adaptable to any dietary preference, this soup brings warmth and flavor to your table year-round.
Whether you’re new to Polish cuisine or revisiting a family favorite, Polish Dill Soup offers a satisfying, fresh, and creamy experience that’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. Can I freeze Polish Dill Soup?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to prevent sour cream from separating.
3. How can I make the soup creamier?
Add extra sour cream or a splash of heavy cream. You can also blend half the soup for a smoother texture.
4. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas add sweetness and work beautifully—just add them toward the end to avoid overcooking.
5. Can I substitute potatoes with another vegetable?
Yes, parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes can be used for variation in flavor and texture.
Polish Dill Soup is a creamy, comforting soup with tender vegetables, fragrant dill, and subtle spices. Easy to make, hearty, and perfect for any meal.
