list

Ingredients:

Carrot

2 pieces

Knorr chicken broth pot

1 piece

Parsley

1 piece

Water

2 liters

Large pickled cucumbers

3 pieces

Sour cream 18%

2 tablespoons

Pickle juice

1 cup

Potatoes or rice

Fresh dill

Half a bunch

difficult-1
time
Servings

easy

40 min.

4 servings

Recipe: Traditional Polish pickled cucumber soup. Learn how to cook this creamy, slightly sour, homemade dish. Easy step-by-step instructions for family comfort food.

< 45 min

Step-by-step recipe for a Polish pickle soup

Step 1

Finely chop the carrot and parsley, then cook in 2 liters of water.

Step 2

Add one Knorr bouillon cube to boiling water.

Step 3

Chop the cucumbers and add them when the other vegetables are cooked. Cook them until the cucumbers soften. Then add a glass of cucumber water and bring to a boil.

Step 4

Then mix the cream in water and pour into the ready soup. Cook for another 5 minutes, then serve with potatoes or rice.

Zupa Ogórkowa: The Tangy Heart of Polish Home Cooking

The ‘Zupa Ogórkowa’—a Polish term meaning ‘cucumber soup’—is a cherished staple in Polish culinary tradition. This gently sour, aromatic dish captivates with its straightforward preparation and complex flavor profile. With just a few core ingredients, you can develop a meal that warms and satisfies on cooler days.

Begin by finely dicing carrots and parsley root, simmering them in 2 liters of water. To enhance the foundational flavor, add a quality vegetable bouillon cube (or meat broth for a traditional approach). Once the root vegetables soften, introduce the chopped pickled cucumbers and continue to simmer until tender. The secret to its distinctive taste lies in incorporating a cup of the pickled cucumber brine, which introduces a crucial layer of acidity and umami. Finally, gently whisk sour cream with a little water to temper it, then stir into the soup. For a vegan alternative, consider a cashew cream or a plant-based sour cream substitute, thinned with water. After simmering for another 5 minutes, this traditional Zupa Ogórkowa is ready to serve.

Who will love this soup?

For those who’ve explored exotic cuisines and now long for the comforting flavors of childhood and Polish tradition, Zupa Ogórkowa offers a nostalgic embrace. It’s a dish that gently reminds us that some of the most satisfying tastes are often found within our own culinary heritage.

Ideal for weeknight meals and family gatherings

This soup excels as a simple, yet satisfying, main course for the entire family. When you need to quickly prepare a meal that pleases everyone, Zupa Ogórkowa is an excellent choice—straightforward to execute and rich in flavor.

The secret to its signature tang

The addition of pickled cucumber brine is a pivotal step, infusing the soup with its characteristic, deep flavor profile. This simple technique elevates a basic soup into a dish with remarkable aromatic intensity.

Serving suggestions to enhance your experience

Traditionally, Zupa Ogórkowa is served with boiled potatoes, offering a comforting textural contrast. Alternatively, for a different profile, serve it with rice. Both options allow for customization to individual preferences.