If you’re craving a bowl of comforting, velvety goodness that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Potato Dill Soup (Zupa Koperkowa) Recipe is your new best friend. Rich yet light, this traditional Polish soup melds tender potatoes and fresh dill with a luscious creamy base that’s simply irresistible. Every spoonful bursts with flavor and a hint of warmth from nutmeg, making it perfect for cozy dinners or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together effortlessly to create the magic behind this Creamy Potato Dill Soup (Zupa Koperkowa) Recipe. Each component plays an important role, from the smooth texture of potatoes to the bright freshness of dill that gives this soup its signature flavor.
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons add a rich base for sautéing and a luscious finish without overwhelming saltiness.
- Spring onions: 6 white and light green parts provide gentle oniony sweetness that softens beautifully when cooked.
- Carrots: 2 medium, sliced rounds offer a subtle sweetness and vibrant color contrast in the soup.
- Potatoes: 1 pound, peeled and cubed, form the creamy hearty backbone of the soup when cooked until tender.
- Vegetable stock: 5 cups deliver a savory, flavorful liquid that carries all flavors harmoniously.
- Double cream: ½ cup enriches the soup with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel, making it wonderfully indulgent.
- Nutmeg: just ½ teaspoon adds a subtle warmth that deepens the flavor profile without overpowering.
- Fresh dill: about 1 packed cup chopped brings the iconic bright, herbaceous note absolutely essential to this recipe.
- Salt and freshly ground pepper: to taste, these are crucial for balancing and enhancing all the natural flavors.
How to Make Creamy Potato Dill Soup (Zupa Koperkowa) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by melting the butter gently in a thick-bottomed pot over medium-low heat. Add the chopped spring onions and carrot rounds, cooking slowly for about 5 to 6 minutes until they are tender and fragrant. This slowly develops sweetness and forms the flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Stock
Next, stir in the cubed potatoes and pour in the vegetable stock. Give everything a gentle stir to combine so all those flavors start to mingle. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer with a partially covered lid for about 15 minutes. The potatoes should become soft enough to easily pierce with a fork.
Step 3: Temper the Cream
To keep the cream from curdling, place it into a bowl and slowly whisk in a ladle of the hot soup, tempering it gently. Then add this creamy mixture back into your pot. This step is key for that lush, silky texture that makes the Creamy Potato Dill Soup (Zupa Koperkowa) Recipe stand out.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Now stir in the nutmeg, freshly chopped dill, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so those herbaceous, warm, and creamy flavors marry perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—this is where you make it just right.
How to Serve Creamy Potato Dill Soup (Zupa Koperkowa) Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh dill right before serving adds a beautiful pop of green and fresh flavor. For a richer touch, a swirl of more cream or a dollop of sour cream can elevate both the flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty bread or warm rye to soak up every last drop. Light salads with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables also complement the creamy texture and fresh taste of the soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls with a piece of crusty bread on the side for a homestyle feel. For a more elegant presentation, try individual cups garnished with dill fronds and tiny croutons that add a delightful crunch contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a wonderful next-day treat.
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Potato Dill Soup (Zupa Koperkowa) Recipe in portions for up to 2 months. Freeze before adding the cream for best results; add the cream fresh when reheating to preserve the soup’s silky texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often to avoid scorching. If frozen, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge first. Add a splash of cream while warming to restore the soup’s rich creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use regular onions instead of spring onions?
Yes, you can substitute regular onions, but consider using only the white part or sweet onions to keep the delicate flavor profile close to the original.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for olive oil, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and ensure your vegetable stock is vegan-friendly to enjoy this soup vegan-style.
Can I add other herbs besides dill?
Dill is the star, but you can experiment with parsley or chives for subtle variations. However, fresh dill’s unique aroma really defines this recipe, so use it generously.
What type of potatoes work best?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds or red potatoes hold their shape well while becoming tender and creamy, making them ideal for this soup.
Is it necessary to temper the cream?
Tempering the cream prevents it from curdling when added to the hot soup, ensuring a smooth, luscious texture. Skipping this step might result in a slightly grainy soup.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Creamy Potato Dill Soup (Zupa Koperkowa) Recipe, it’s easy to see why it’s a cherished classic. The balance of comfort and freshness, the creamy texture crowned with vibrant dill, makes it a perfect go-to for cozy moments. Give it a whirl and let this bowl of homemade warmth brighten your table and heart!
PrintCreamy Potato Dill Soup (Zupa Koperkowa) Recipe
This Creamy Potato Dill Soup, inspired by traditional Polish Zupa Koperkowa, is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any season. Made with tender potatoes, fresh dill, and a touch of nutmeg, this soup is enriched with double cream for a luscious texture. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that can be prepared in just 40 minutes, delivering a creamy and herbaceous experience that warms the soul.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 40 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 6 spring onions with a large bulb, white and light green parts only, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, cut into rounds
- 450 g (1 lb) potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1.25 litres (5 cups) vegetable stock
Finishing Ingredients
- 125 ml (1/2 cup) double cream
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 bunch dill, chopped (about 30 g or 1 packed cup)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Place a thick-bottomed pot, such as a Dutch oven, on the stove and melt the butter over low-medium heat. This gentle heat will ensure the butter doesn’t burn and creates a rich flavor foundation.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped spring onions and carrots to the melted butter and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, which develops the soup’s sweetness.
- Cook potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes and vegetable stock to the pot. Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer partially covered for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Temper the cream: Pour the double cream into a separate bowl. Gradually stir in a ladleful of the hot soup to the cream to warm it gently without curdling. Then, add this tempered cream mixture back into the soup pot and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Season and finish: Stir in the nutmeg, salt, freshly ground pepper, and the chopped dill. Let the soup cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together and fully heat through.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve the soup immediately, optionally garnished with extra fresh dill for an added burst of color and herbal aroma.
Notes
- Tempering the cream is important to prevent curdling when adding it to the hot soup.
- Using fresh dill significantly enhances the flavor; dried dill is not recommended as it changes the soup’s character.
- This soup is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by substituting double cream with a plant-based cream alternative and using vegetable stock.
- Adjust the amount of vegetable stock for a thicker or thinner soup to your preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stovetop.
