Name: Traditional Polish Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter or oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 1 celery stalk, chopped; 5 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon marjoram (dried); Salt and black pepper to taste; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup chopped parsley or dill; 1 cup diced cooked sausage

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zupa Ziemniaczana is the epitome of comfort food. The tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and aromatic herbs create a warm, filling dish that will make you feel like you’re being wrapped in a cozy blanket. It’s easy to prepare with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, and the added option of sour cream or sausage makes it customizable to your taste. This soup is a perfect choice for anyone who loves rich, flavorful dishes with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter or oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
5 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon marjoram (dried)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

½ cup sour cream
½ cup chopped parsley or dill
1 cup diced cooked sausage

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter (or heat oil) over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Add Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, letting the potatoes absorb some of the flavors from the aromatics.
Add Broth: Pour in the broth and add marjoram. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Blend or Leave Chunky: For a creamy texture, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or blend half of the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier soup, feel free to leave it as is.
Finish: Stir in the sour cream (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley or dill. Add cooked sausage for extra protein if you like. Serve the soup warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add Meat: For a heartier version, stir in diced cooked sausage, such as kielbasa, toward the end of cooking. It adds a nice smoky flavor that complements the potatoes.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe fully vegetarian.
Herb Variations: You can experiment with other herbs like thyme, bay leaves, or rosemary for different flavor profiles.
Make It Creamier: Add more sour cream or even a splash of heavy cream for an ultra-creamy finish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the soup without sour cream or dairy for up to 3 months. When reheating, add the cream after defrosting and heating for a fresh taste.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if needed to thin out the soup.

FAQs

1. Can I use russet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold?

While you can use russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for a creamier, smoother texture. Russet potatoes may become more starchy when cooked, changing the texture of the soup.

2. How do I make the soup spicier?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeno during the cooking process to bring in some heat.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker by sautéing the aromatics in a pan first, then adding them to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

4. Can I use pre-made broth or bouillon cubes?

Yes, pre-made broth or bouillon cubes can be used in place of homemade broth. Just be sure to adjust the salt level accordingly since store-bought versions can be saltier.

5. How can I make this soup gluten-free?

This soup is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth label to make sure it doesn’t contain gluten. Use certified gluten-free broth if needed.

6. Can I use frozen vegetables?

You can substitute the fresh carrots and celery with frozen ones, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since frozen vegetables may cook faster than fresh ones.

7. Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for several days and also freezes well for future meals.

8. Can I use a food processor to chop the vegetables?

While you can use a food processor for chopping, it’s best to dice the vegetables by hand to ensure the right texture in the soup. You want some bite to the vegetables rather than them being too finely chopped.

9. Can I make this soup without marjoram?

If you don’t have marjoram, you can substitute it with oregano, thyme, or rosemary, though the flavor profile may change slightly.

Conclusion

Traditional Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana) is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any cold day. With its rich and flavorful broth, tender potatoes, and fresh vegetables, it’s the ultimate cozy meal that’s easy to make and full of wholesome goodness. Whether you enjoy it as a simple lunch or a satisfying dinner, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!