There’s something deeply nostalgic and comforting about a bowl of Polish Dill Soup — known in Poland as Zupa Koperkowa. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly transports you to a quiet countryside kitchen, where the scent of fresh herbs wafts through an open window and time seems to slow down. This soup has been a staple in many Polish homes for generations, often passed down from grandmothers who grew dill in their gardens and knew just how to turn simple pantry staples into something unforgettable.

I still remember the first time I tasted this soup at my Polish friend’s family home. Her grandmother had made it from scratch with handfuls of chopped fresh dill, creamy potatoes, and a broth so flavorful it lingered on the palate. Every spoonful felt like a warm hug. That experience sparked my love for this herbaceous, silky soup — and I’ve been making my own version ever since.

Polish Dill Soup is traditionally served during spring and summer when fresh dill is in abundance, but it’s cozy enough to enjoy year-round. It’s light, earthy, and tangy, with a rich creaminess that rounds it all out. Some families add hard-boiled eggs or serve it with crusty rye bread — and while there are variations, the star is always the dill. If you’ve never tried this soup before, you’re in for a delightful, refreshing surprise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Bursting with fresh, herbaceous flavor from dill
• Comforting, creamy, and nourishing
• Perfect for any season, especially spring and early summer
• Simple ingredients, but rich in tradition and taste
• Quick and easy to make — ideal for weeknights
• Family-friendly and easily adaptable

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 600 g potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried marjoram
• 1 L vegetable broth
• 250 ml heavy cream
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 40 g fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

HOW TO MAKE POLISH DILL SOUP:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start with the base:
In a large pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent — about 5 minutes. I like to let it cook slowly to bring out its natural sweetness.

2. Layer in the flavors:
Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Let everything cook together for another 3–4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the garlic to become fragrant. The smell at this point is incredible — so earthy and inviting.

3. Add the potatoes and spices:
Toss in the cubed potatoes, bay leaf, and marjoram. Season with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir well to coat the potatoes with all those aromatic flavors.

4. Pour in the broth:
Add the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Thicken the soup:
In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a few tablespoons of the hot soup to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture back into the soup, followed by the heavy cream. Simmer for 5 more minutes to thicken and develop a creamy texture. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.

6. Add the dill magic:
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh dill. Let it cook for just another 2–3 minutes. The moment the dill hits the pot, the aroma completely transforms — it’s bright, slightly tangy, and absolutely mouthwatering.

7. Taste and serve:
Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. You can garnish with extra dill on top or even a sliced hard-boiled egg if you like a traditional touch.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use fresh dill: This is the key ingredient, so fresh dill really makes a difference in flavor and aroma. Avoid using dried dill here if possible.
• Creamy but light: Heavy cream adds richness, but you can swap for half-and-half or a plant-based cream if you want a lighter version.
• Customize with add-ins: Some folks like to add cooked rice, hard-boiled eggs, or even turkey ham for a heartier twist.
• Vegetable broth: A good-quality broth boosts flavor — homemade or low-sodium store-bought works great.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Polish
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.
• If you want to make it gluten-free, skip the flour and thicken with a cornstarch slurry or just blend a few potatoes into the broth.
• The soup pairs beautifully with crusty rye or sourdough bread.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I freeze Polish Dill Soup?
Yes, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly because of the cream. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the cream, and stir it in fresh when reheating.

Is this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! This version uses vegetable broth and no meat products.

Can I use dried dill instead?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. If fresh dill is hard to find, use about 1 tablespoon dried dill, and stir it in with the other herbs.

How do I make it dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free cream alternative like oat cream or coconut milk (though coconut will slightly alter the flavor).

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. It gets thicker as it sits, so add a splash of broth or water to thin it if needed.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other comforting Polish-inspired dishes:

• Tuscan Chicken Soup – A Hearty, Comforting Bowl of Goodness
• Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings
• Ratatouille Soup: A Hearty Bowl of Comfort
• Buffalo Chicken Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Zesty Goodness

CONCLUSION

Polish Dill Soup is more than just a bowl of something warm — it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most soulful way. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a rainy day or looking to bring a bit of Polish heritage into your kitchen, this soup has a way of making you feel at home. It’s humble, it’s hearty, and it’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again.

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