Creamy Dill Pickle Soup, also known as Zupa Ogórkowa, is a beloved Polish dish that offers a unique and comforting blend of flavors. The tangy punch of dill pickles, combined with a creamy broth and hearty vegetables, makes this soup a surprising yet delightful choice for any meal. The rich texture from the milk and sour cream complements the savory taste of dill, creating a soup that is both refreshing and indulgent.

This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy the tangy zest of pickles and are looking for a warm, cozy dish that offers a little something different. Whether you are seeking a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this soup is easy to prepare and full of flavors that will please anyone who loves a good pickle. Plus, it’s a great way to use those extra pickles in your pantry!

With its balance of creamy, tangy, and savory notes, this Creamy Dill Pickle Soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons to fall in love with this creamy dill pickle soup:

Unique Flavor Profile: The tanginess from the dill pickles and the richness from the sour cream come together in a beautifully balanced soup that’s both savory and comforting.
Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, this soup comes together in under 40 minutes.
Hearty and Filling: The potatoes, carrots, and creamy base create a soup that’s filling and satisfying without being too heavy.
A Great Way to Use Leftover Pickles: If you have extra dill pickles in your fridge, this is the perfect recipe to use them up in a creative way.
Versatile: You can adjust the seasoning and add other vegetables to suit your tastes. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

Chicken broth
Dill pickles
Pickle juice
Potatoes
Onion
Carrots
Butter
All-purpose flour
Milk
Sour cream
Salt and pepper
Fresh dill for garnish

Variations

This recipe can easily be adapted to suit your preferences:

Add Meat: To make the soup heartier, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or ham to the mix. This will make it a complete meal in a bowl.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any meat or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
Spicy Dill Pickle Soup: For those who like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy kick.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as celery, leeks, or parsnips for additional texture and flavor.
Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk and sour cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a non-dairy version of this soup.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Broth and Vegetables

In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, finely chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and chopped carrots. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 2: Make the Roux

While the soup is simmering, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, stir in the flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Roux with the Soup

Slowly add the milk mixture to the soup while stirring constantly. Let the soup cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add the Sour Cream

Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate the sour cream into the soup.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh dill. Pair it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Pickle Quality: Use good quality dill pickles for the best flavor. If you like your soup extra tangy, you can add more pickle juice.
Vegetable Size: Make sure to dice your potatoes and carrots into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly and quickly.
Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend part of the soup before adding the sour cream to create a creamier texture.
Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or pickle juice to taste, depending on your preference for tanginess.

How to Serve

This creamy dill pickle soup is perfect for a light lunch or as part of a dinner spread. It pairs wonderfully with:

Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of freshly baked baguette, sourdough, or a hearty dinner roll for dipping.
Side Salad: Pair it with a light green salad or a tangy cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Grilled Cheese: A classic pairing with any soup, a crispy grilled cheese sandwich complements the tangy flavors of the pickle soup perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, add a bit of water or chicken broth if the soup thickens too much.

Freezing

If you’d like to make this soup in advance, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the soup completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it on the stove over low heat.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pickle juice in this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pickle juice works well if you don’t have homemade pickle juice on hand.

2. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like celery, zucchini, or peas to the soup for additional flavor and texture.

3. How can I make this soup spicier?

For a spicy version, add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce.

4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter, milk, and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like plant-based butter and coconut cream.

5. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, though the texture may be slightly different. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary.

6. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

7. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before freezing and add extra liquid when reheating.

8. How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If the soup is too thin, make a small batch of roux (butter and flour) and add it to the soup to thicken.

9. Can I use chicken instead of broth?

While chicken broth provides great flavor, you can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

10. What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a fresh side salad.

Conclusion

Creamy Dill Pickle Soup is a delightful and unique dish that’s perfect for pickle lovers and anyone looking for a comforting, hearty soup. With its tangy, creamy, and savory flavors, this soup is sure to impress and satisfy. It’s easy to make, customizable, and pairs well with various sides. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, it’s a warm, cozy meal that’s both satisfying and full of character.