If you’re craving a soul-warming, hearty dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, you’ve got to try this Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana) Recipe. It’s a classic staple from Poland that brings together tender potatoes and vibrant vegetables, with the delightful optional addition of smoky kielbasa, all simmered in a rich broth and finished with creamy goodness and fresh dill. This soup is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s bringing freshness, texture, or that signature comforting depth to the soup.
- 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down just enough to thicken the soup while still holding some bite, creating the perfect comforting texture.
- 2 large carrots: Their natural sweetness adds balance to the savory broth and brightens the overall flavor.
- 1 medium onion: A foundational flavor that forms the aromatic base of the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced finely for that subtle yet essential warm kick.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The soul of the soup that infuses all ingredients with savory goodness.
- 5 oz kielbasa (optional): Adds a smoky, meaty depth that transports you straight to Poland’s hearty kitchens.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or tempered sour cream): Creates a lusciously creamy finish that makes every spoonful irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill: Bright, herbaceous notes that bring freshness and an authentic Polish touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to make all the flavors shine.
How to Make Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Vegetables
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a perfect texture. Peel and slice the carrots for that natural sweetness and subtle crunch. Chop the onion finely to release its aromatic qualities, and mince the garlic so it infuses gently throughout the soup. Taking the time in this step builds the solid flavor foundation essential to the dish.
Step 2: Cook Vegetables
In a large pot, place your potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic. Pour in the broth over the veggies and bring everything to a gentle boil. If you’re adding kielbasa, toss it in now for that smoky, savory character that transforms the soup from simple to unforgettable. This is where the ingredients mingle and start to create that rich, cozy broth that feels like home.
Step 3: Simmer
Reduce the heat so the soup simmers softly. Let it bubble away for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the potatoes and carrots are tender but not falling apart completely. This gentle simmer gives the vegetables time to release their natural flavors and blend beautifully with the broth, resulting in a perfectly balanced soup.
Step 4: Add Cream and Dill
Stir in the heavy cream for a velvety, indulgent texture, or if you prefer, gently temper sour cream and add it to give a slight tang and richness. Then sprinkle in the fresh chopped dill to brighten the dish and add that authentic Polish twist. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper—this final step makes the flavors pop!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your hot Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana) Recipe into bowls and get ready to savor every creamy, comforting spoonful. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal to impress friends, this soup brings warmth and joy in every bite.
How to Serve Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana) Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving experience with some extra flair by adding a sprinkle of fresh dill on top or a dollop of sour cream for richness. A drizzle of crispy bacon bits or thinly sliced green onions can also add texture and additional layers of flavor that will elevate each bowl beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or classic Polish rye bread to soak up the luscious broth. For a heartier meal, a side of pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad can cut through the richness with a refreshing crunch and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or rustic ceramic mugs. Bringing out a wooden board with small plates of smoked cheese and boiled eggs on the side complements the traditional flavors and turns your meal into a delightful Polish feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana) Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its creamy texture and fresh flavors, making it perfect for a quick, comforting meal the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Keep the cream separate if possible and stir it back in when reheating to maintain that perfect velvety consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, simply add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken broth with a rich vegetable broth and skip the kielbasa. The soup is still bursting with flavor thanks to the fresh vegetables, herbs, and creamy finish.
Is sour cream a good substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, tempered sour cream can be used for a tangier, lighter finish. Just be sure to temper it by slowly mixing some hot soup into the sour cream before adding it fully, to avoid curdling.
What type of potatoes work best in this recipe?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal—they hold their shape well while softening enough to create the creamy texture that Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana) Recipe is known for.
Can I prepare the soup ahead of time without the cream?
Definitely. Make the soup up to the simmering stage, then cool and refrigerate. Add cream and fresh dill just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
How spicy is this soup?
Traditionally, Polish Potato Soup is mild and comforting—not spicy from heat but rich with savory depth. However, you can easily add a pinch of paprika or black pepper to give it a slight kick if you like.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana) Recipe that brings a cozy, hearty joy to any mealtime. Its simple ingredients come together in a way that feels both familiar and wonderfully unique, making it a dish you’ll want to return to time and again. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delicious tradition—you’re in for a comforting treat that’s as warm in heart as it is on the tongue.
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Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish
Description
Polish Potato Soup, known as Zupa Ziemniaczana, is a hearty and comforting dish made with tender potatoes, carrots, and onion simmered in flavorful chicken or vegetable broth. Enhanced with optional kielbasa for a smoky touch, the soup is finished with creamy heavy cream and fresh dill, offering a warm and satisfying meal that captures traditional Polish flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or tempered sour cream – see notes)
Meat (Optional)
- 5 oz kielbasa, diced (optional)
Herbs and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes. Peel and slice the carrots. Chop the onion and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking and release of flavors.
- Cook Vegetables: In a large pot, combine the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the vegetables to start softening.
- Add Kielbasa (Optional): If using, add the diced kielbasa to the boiling broth to infuse the soup with smoky flavor.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Add Cream and Dill: Stir in the heavy cream (or tempered sour cream if preferred) along with the fresh chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, mixing to combine all flavors smoothly.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting experience.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with tempered sour cream for a tangier flavor; temper by slowly mixing a small amount of hot soup into the sour cream before adding to avoid curdling.
- The kielbasa is optional, and you can omit it to make the soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture or Russet potatoes for a fluffier consistency.
- Fresh dill can be replaced with dried dill if necessary, but fresh will provide the best flavor.
