Description
Polish Potato Soup is a hearty, comforting dish rooted in traditional Polish cuisine, featuring tender potatoes simmered with vegetables and aromatic seasonings to create a warm, flavorful bowl of soup perfect for cold days or anytime you crave a filling, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Seasonings
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dairy and Garnish
- 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion finely, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic to have all ingredients ready.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step helps build the base flavor for the soup.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery to the pot. Pour in the broth, then add the bay leaves and dried marjoram. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Season and Blend (Optional): Remove the bay leaves. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks for heartiness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Cream and Finish: Stir in the sour cream or heavy cream to add richness and creaminess. Heat gently for an additional 5 minutes without boiling to prevent curdling.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or rye for an authentic Polish experience.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute sour cream with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth.
- Adding diced smoked sausage or bacon can make the soup more savory and traditional.
- To thicken the soup further, mash some of the cooked potatoes before blending.
- Marjoram is essential for authentic flavor but can be replaced with oregano if unavailable.
- The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish
