Welcome to a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to Poland! This delightful Polish Dill Pickle Soup with Smoked Ham is not just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. Imagine the tangy crunch of dill pickles mingling with the rich, smoky flavor of ham, all enveloped in a hearty broth that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Polish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1 cup smoked ham, diced
- 1 teaspoon dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and dicing vegetables: finely chop the onion, dice carrots into small cubes, and cut potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- In a large soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and add diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender but not mushy.
- Incorporate chopped dill pickles and diced smoked ham into the soup. Stir to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle dried dill over the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir and allow flavors to meld together for 5-7 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If soup is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with additional fresh dill or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality smoked ham for a richer flavor. If you can find Polish-style ham, even better!
- Adjust the Tang: If you prefer a stronger pickle flavor, feel free to add more dill pickles or even a splash of pickle juice to the soup.
- Experiment with Herbs: While dill is traditional, you can add other fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve with Style: Garnish your soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests.
- Make it a Meal: Pair this soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Store Leftovers Wisely: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
