The Ultimate Polish Dill Pickle Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes 

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes 

Servings: 6-8

A Warm Bowl of Pickle Paradise

Even though SuckerPunch Gourmet is an American pickle brand, there is no denying that pickles are a worldwide phenomenon. From ancient Mesopotamia to medieval Britain and beyond, the pickle's journey through history has influenced almost every major culture on the planet.

All sorts of different people celebrate the pickle in their own unique way, and at SuckerPunch, we applaud any culture that shares our love for pickles. Eastern Europe has always had an affinity for pickled pickings ranging from the beets they put in their borscht to the sauerkraut they put on their sausages.

Today, we're taking a look at one of the most popular pickle dishes to ever come out of Eastern Europe – Polish dill pickle soup. After some tasty insight into why dill pickle soup is a dish worth drooling over, we'll give you the knockout SuckerPunch recipe for this slurp-worthy pickle soup!

What is Dill Pickle Soup?

One of the most incredible attributes of the pickle is its ability to add a culinary depth to almost every dish it finds its way into. The recipe for making a dill pickle is very similar worldwide, but the things people do with dill pickles once they come out of the jar are remarkably different!

One of the best examples of this is the Polish dish Hot Dill Pickle Soup. Also called Zupa Ogórkowa, this creamy dill pickle soup is about the furthest thing from the traditional American method of eating pickles.

Since most Americans are used to eating their pickles chilled, a hot pickle soup may not sound like a great way to crunch into a pickled cucumber. However, this cultural, culinary craze is a pickle lover's dream come true. Cliche as it may be to say, you shouldn't knock it until you try this soup recipe using our products!

Somehow, the warm broth amplifies the natural dill flavor and sends the taste buds into a pickle paradise of tart, tangy, and salty. This savory, hearty soup enhances the elite flavor components of pickles and supercharges them for a pickle flavor unattainable by any other method.

Why This Polish Pickle Soup Recipe Stands Out

This traditional Polish soup has been warming bellies across Eastern Europe for generations, and for good reason. The combination of tangy dill pickles, tender Yukon gold potatoes, and a rich sour cream mixture creates a comforting soup unlike anything else in your recipe rotation.

Why you'll keep coming back to this bowl:

• The pickle brine does double duty as both a flavor booster and a tenderizer

• Yukon gold potatoes add heartiness without overpowering the pickle flavor

• The sour cream brings a creamy element that balances the tangy broth

• It's the perfect comfort food for cool evenings, or anytime you're craving something savory

Your New Favorite Comfort Soup Ingredients

Here is our absolute favorite recipe for this beloved Polish dill pickle soup. Grab a large pot and get ready for some serious pickle magic!

The Pickle Foundation

• 4 cups SuckerPunch Classic Dill Pickles, chopped

• 1 cup SuckerPunch Pickle Juice (the liquid gold!)

The Creamy Base

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 4 tablespoons salted butter

The Hearty Stuff

• 5 large Yukon gold potatoes, cubed ¼ inch

• 1 medium sweet onion, diced

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarians)

Season to Taste

• Kosher salt

• Black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

• Fresh dill for garnish and extra herbaceous flavor

• A bay leaf while simmering for a deeper aroma

• Carrots or other root vegetables for extra heartiness

• Heavy cream instead of sour cream for an even richer soup

• Extra salt to taste if you're a true pickle lover

Sullivan's Stupendous Directions

Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Onion

Begin by slicing the onion into thin strips or small diced cubes, depending on how noticeable you want the onion pieces to be in the soup. Once you have cut your onion, place it into your soup pot (a large stockpot works great) with the butter and sauté until the onion begins to caramelize. 

Note: We are not looking for a full caramelization; we just want the onions to become borderline transparent.

Step 2: Brown the Potatoes

Cube the potatoes into small chunks and add to the onion and butter mixture. Cook the potatoes on medium heat until they begin to brown. This step adds a subtle depth to your pickle soup that makes all the difference.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Once the potatoes have become brown, add the chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version) and bring it to a simmer. Let the onion and potato mixture simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Pickles and Pickle Juice

This is where the magic happens! Add your chopped dill pickles and pickle juice (that liquid gold pickle brine). Continue to let the broth simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.

Step 5: Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the flour and sour cream, blending well. This sour cream mixture is the secret to that signature creamy texture.

Step 6: Temper the Sour Cream

Temper the sour cream mixture by slowly ladling in a small amount of the warm broth into the bowl with the sour cream mixture. Whisk constantly to avoid curdling. 

Step 7: Combine and Season

Once tempered, the sour cream mixture can be added into the large pot with the rest of the broth. Add salt and black pepper and season to taste.

Step 8: Blend (Optional) and Serve

For a smooth soup, an immersion blender or food processor can be used. Alternatively, the soup can be left chunky, depending on personal preference. Serve hot with a baguette or crackers, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pickle Soup

• Use quality pickles: SuckerPunch dill pickles bring the snap and tang that makes this soup sing. Don't skip the pickle juice: The pickle brine is where so much flavor lives. It's the secret weapon in this dill pickle soup recipe.

• Temper slowly: Rushing the sour cream tempering step will result in a curdled mess. 

• Adjust consistency: Want it thicker? Let it simmer a bit longer. Prefer it thinner? Add a splash more broth.

• Make it ahead: This soup gets even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Instant Pot Variation

Love your Instant Pot? You can absolutely make this pickle soup recipe in it! Use the sauté function for the onions and potatoes, then pressure cook on high for 8 minutes with the broth and pickles. Quick release, stir in the tempered sour cream mixture, and you're good to go.

Why We Love Dill Pickle Soup

This pickle soup recipe is perfect for the cooler evenings of springtime, combining the heartiness of potato and cream with the bold, savory flavor profile of dill pickle. Great as a first course or equally as equipped to be the star of the show, this hot soup puts a smile on every face as soon as it is set on the table.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Dill Pickle Soup

This comforting soup pairs beautifully with warm breads, fresh salads, and all your favorite comfort food sides.