Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa)

Dill Pickle Soup (Zupa Ogórkowa)

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup dill pickles, grated or finely chopped
– 1 cup pickle juice (from the jar)
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/2 cup heavy cream for extra creaminess
– Dill pickle slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. **Cook the Soup Base:**
– Add the diced carrots and potatoes to the pot and pour in the broth.
– Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

3. **Add Pickles and Pickle Juice:**
– Stir in the grated or finely chopped pickles and the pickle juice.
– Continue to simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes.

4. **Thicken the Soup:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until smooth.
– Temper the mixture by adding a ladle of hot soup to the sour cream mixture and whisking quickly.
– Pour the tempered mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly to avoid curdling.

5. **Season and Serve:**
– Add the dried dill (or fresh dill) to the soup and stir well.
– Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
– If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream at this stage.

6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Serve the soup hot, garnished with dill pickle slices and extra dill if desired.

This soup is a unique and comforting dish, combining the tangy flavor of dill pickles with a creamy broth, making it both hearty and refreshing. Enjoy!