Polish Potato Soup, known as Zupa Ziemniaczana, is one of the most comforting soups in Polish cuisine. Made with tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa, carrots, and fresh dill, this traditional Polish potato soup is hearty, creamy, and full of flavor. It is the perfect meal for chilly days when you want something warm and satisfying.
This easy Polish potato soup recipe has been enjoyed in Polish homes for generations. It started as a simple meal made with affordable ingredients that were easy to find. Over time, families began adding kielbasa, sour cream, and fresh herbs to create richer and more flavorful versions.
If you are looking for an authentic Polish potato soup recipe, this one is a great choice. The creamy broth, tender vegetables, and smoky sausage come together to create a bowl of comfort that is both filling and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Polish Potato Soup
This traditional Polish potato soup is made with simple ingredients, but it delivers incredible flavor. The potatoes make the soup filling, while the carrots add a touch of sweetness. Fresh dill gives the soup its classic Polish taste, and the kielbasa brings a delicious smoky flavor that makes every bite even better.
Another reason to love this recipe is how easy it is to make. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the soup comes together in less than an hour. Whether you are cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is always a great option.
The recipe is also very flexible. You can make it with chicken broth or vegetable broth, adjust the creaminess to your liking, or add extra vegetables. No matter how you prepare it, this hearty soup is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
What Is Zupa Ziemniaczana?
Zupa Ziemniaczana is the Polish name for potato soup. The word “ziemniaki” means potatoes, which are the star ingredient in this dish. In some parts of Poland, you may also hear potato soup called Kartoflanka, which comes from another Polish word for potatoes.
This soup has humble origins and was originally made by farming families using simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, carrots, and broth. It was an affordable and filling meal that could feed a large family.
Today, Zupa Ziemniaczana remains one of the most popular comfort foods in Poland. Modern versions often include kielbasa, cream, sour cream, and fresh dill, making the soup even richer and more flavorful.
Necessary Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Small bowl for tempering sour cream
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced. Yukon Gold potatoes create a naturally creamy texture, while Russet potatoes help thicken the soup as they cook.
Carrots: 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced. They add sweetness, color, and extra nutrition.
Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped. This creates a flavorful base for the soup.
Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic adds depth and richness.
Chicken or vegetable broth: 4 cups broth forms the flavorful foundation of the soup. Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version.
Kielbasa: 5 ounces diced Polish sausage adds authentic smoky flavor and makes the soup even more satisfying.
Heavy cream or sour cream: 1 cup heavy cream or 1 cup tempered sour cream creates a rich and creamy texture.
Fresh dill: 2 tablespoons chopped dill adds the bright and fresh flavor that makes this soup truly Polish.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste before serving.
How to Make Polish Potato Soup
Prepare the Vegetables
- Prep the ingredients. Peel and dice the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Peel and slice the carrots, chop the onion, and mince the garlic so everything is ready to cook.
- Gather your ingredients. Measure the broth, dill, cream, and kielbasa before starting. This makes the cooking process much smoother.
Sauté the Aromatics and Kielbasa
- Brown the kielbasa. Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced kielbasa and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
- Cook the onions and garlic. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Simmer the Soup
- Add the vegetables. Stir in the potatoes and carrots until they are coated with the flavorful oils from the kielbasa.
- Pour in the broth. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat. Lower the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Add the Cream and Dill
- Temper the sour cream if using. Place the sour cream in a small bowl and slowly whisk in a few spoonfuls of hot soup. Once smooth, stir it back into the pot.
- Finish the soup. Stir in the cream and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra dill, and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Polish Potato Soup
- Brown the kielbasa first: This releases flavorful oils that help season the entire soup.
- Temper the sour cream: Mixing sour cream with hot broth before adding it to the soup prevents curdling.
- Blend some of the soup: Blend 1 to 2 cups of the cooked soup and stir it back into the pot for a naturally thicker texture.
- Use fresh dill: Fresh dill gives the soup its authentic Polish flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the potatoes: Potatoes should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Taste before serving: Adjust the salt and pepper at the end for the best flavor.
Variations
Vegetarian Polish Potato Soup
Leave out the kielbasa and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be rich and satisfying.
Meat Lovers Version
Add crispy bacon along with the kielbasa for even more smoky flavor. If you enjoy kielbasa recipes, you may also like our Hearty Polish Sausage Casserole.
Extra Thick Potato Soup
Blend more of the cooked soup or stir in a small amount of instant mashed potatoes for a thicker consistency.
Leek and Potato Soup
Replace the onion with sliced leeks for a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor.
What to Serve with Polish Potato Soup
Polish potato soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with crusty sourdough rye bread, or a simple green salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth.
For a complete Polish-inspired meal, serve this soup with a sweet dessert afterward. A slice of Traditional Polish Sweet Cheese Babka or Traditional Polish Plum Cake makes the perfect ending to a comforting meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the potatoes may become slightly softer after thawing.
Reheating: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and avoid boiling to keep the cream from separating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret ingredient in potato soup?
Many Polish cooks add a splash of pickle juice or vinegar to brighten the flavor. Fresh dill is another secret ingredient that gives Polish potato soup its classic taste.
What are common mistakes when making potato soup?
Common mistakes include overcooking the potatoes, under-seasoning the soup, and adding sour cream directly to hot soup without tempering it first.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add the vegetables, broth, and kielbasa to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Stir in the cream and fresh dill during the last 15 minutes.
Is Zupa Ziemniaczana gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free if no flour is used as a thickener and the kielbasa is certified gluten-free.
Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This authentic Polish Potato Soup recipe, known as Zupa Ziemniaczana, is creamy, hearty, and loaded with potatoes, carrots, kielbasa, and fresh dill. It is a comforting meal that is perfect for cold weather.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 5 ounces (140 g) kielbasa, diced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or tempered sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables. Peel and dice the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Slice the carrots, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Brown the kielbasa. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced kielbasa and cook until lightly browned and fragrant.
- Cook the aromatics. Add the onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for one minute.
- Add the vegetables. Stir in the potatoes and carrots until coated in the flavorful oils.
- Pour in the broth. Add the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the soup. Reduce the heat and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Temper the sour cream if using. Slowly whisk a few spoonfuls of hot broth into the sour cream before adding it back to the soup.
- Finish the soup. Stir in the cream and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve. Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra dill, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, blend 1 to 2 cups of the cooked soup and stir it back into the pot.
- Tempering the sour cream helps prevent curdling.
- Fresh dill provides the best flavor.
- Browning the kielbasa before adding the vegetables creates a richer and more authentic taste.
- Adjust the seasoning before serving for the best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
Nutrition Information
This website offers estimated nutritional details, which may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
My Babcie made this soup for us. It was delicious. She called it Straff( sounded like) Thank you for posting.
No problem! Im happy, that it brought back good memories. Have an amazing and delicious day!