Polish Dill Soup (Zupa Koperkowa) – Creamy, Comforting, and Full of Flavor

If you're in the mood for a hearty and herbaceous soup that feels like a warm hug from a Polish grandmother, you’re going to love this Polish dill soup. Known traditionally as Zupa Koperkowa, this creamy, tangy, and fresh-tasting soup is a true comfort food classic in Poland.

Made with tender potatoes, sweet carrots, green peas, and loads of fragrant fresh dill, this recipe is finished with a swirl of sour cream that gives the broth a smooth, luxurious texture. It’s filling enough for lunch or a light dinner, yet bright and flavorful enough to feel fresh and not overly heavy.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Polish Dill Soup
• What Does Polish Dill Soup Taste Like?
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• Easy Ingredient Substitutions
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Tips for the Best Polish Dill Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Make It a Meal
• Storing and Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Related Recipes to Try Next
• Join Us on Pinterest
• Final Thoughts
• Polish Dill Soup

This version is inspired by the one I grew up with, slightly modernized but still rooted in that timeless Eastern European comfort. Whether you’re familiar with Polish cuisine or just curious to try something new, this soup is an excellent place to start.

this recipe

Why You'll Love This Polish Dill Soup

Simple to Make

This recipe comes together in about 35 minutes, and it uses just one pot. It’s beginner-friendly, uses simple ingredients, and doesn’t require fancy equipment or advanced cooking skills.

Affordable and Pantry-Friendly

Most of the ingredients—potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and broth—are pantry staples. Fresh dill is the only item you might need to pick up, but it’s well worth it for the incredible flavor.

A Cozy Balance of Rich and Fresh

The sour cream brings just the right touch of richness, while the fresh dill and vegetables add a brightness that makes this soup feel light and refreshing.

Vegetarian-Friendly with Easy Adaptations

With just one simple swap (vegetable broth instead of chicken broth), this dish can easily be made vegetarian. It’s also naturally gluten-free.

What Does Polish Dill Soup Taste Like?

Polish dill soup has a unique combination of rich, creamy textures with a fresh, almost citrusy zing from the dill. The potatoes and carrots make it hearty and satisfying, while the peas add a pop of color and sweetness.

The sour cream melts into the broth, giving it a smooth body without making it too thick or heavy. Each spoonful gives you a bit of everything: creamy broth, tender vegetables, and the bright herbal punch of dill.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Full Ingredient List

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 brown onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 scallions (white and light green parts), chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 waxy potatoes, diced (about 10 oz)
• ½ cup frozen green peas
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 4 tablespoons full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, divided

Ingredient Notes

Dill: Fresh dill is absolutely essential here. Dried dill will not give you the same vibrant flavor. Use the leaves from a full small bunch.

Potatoes: Waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best because they hold their shape during cooking.

Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream creates a luxurious mouthfeel. Make sure it's at room temperature or temper it before adding to prevent curdling.

Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions and garlic. You can use oil if you prefer.

Broth: Homemade chicken broth is ideal for a deeper flavor, but store-bought or vegetable broth works well too.

Easy Ingredient Substitutions

• Scallions: Swap for leek or even extra onion if needed.
• Green peas: You can substitute with chopped green beans or corn.
• Sour cream: Use Greek yogurt, coconut cream, or heavy cream for a dairy-free or richer alternative.
• Marjoram: Replace with thyme or oregano if unavailable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Dice the potatoes and carrots, chop the onion and scallions, and mince the garlic. Finely chop the dill and set aside, dividing into two parts (one for cooking, one for garnish).

Step 2: Sauté the Base

In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add carrots and scallions and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Add the salt, pepper, marjoram, turmeric, nutmeg, and bay leaf. Stir well to coat the veggies in the spices. Add the potatoes and green peas, then pour in the broth.

Bring everything to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Stir in Sour Cream and Dill

Remove the lid and stir in the sour cream. If you’re worried about it curdling, mix a spoonful of hot soup into the sour cream first before adding to the pot.

Add 3 tablespoons of the chopped dill and cook for another 5 minutes, uncovered. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of fresh dill. Serve warm with your favorite bread.

Tips for the Best Polish Dill Soup

Don’t Rush the Dill

Let the dill simmer in the soup for a few minutes to release its flavor, but don’t overcook it or it can lose its brightness.

Temper the Sour Cream

To avoid curdling, bring your sour cream to room temperature or mix it with a few spoonfuls of hot broth before adding it to the pot.

Adjust to Taste

Taste before serving. You may want to add a little extra salt, black pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor even more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using dried dill: The flavor won’t be the same. Always use fresh for this soup.
• Boiling after adding sour cream: This can cause the cream to split. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
• Skipping the seasoning: Nutmeg and marjoram add warmth and complexity—don’t skip them.

Make It a Meal

What to Serve with Polish Dill Soup

• Crusty rye bread or a baguette
• Hard-boiled eggs or small chicken meatballs
• A light cucumber salad with vinegar and dill
• Roasted beetroot salad

Drink Pairings

• A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
• Sparkling water with lemon
• Herbal teas, especially mint or chamomile

Storing and Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze the soup without the sour cream. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, then stir in the sour cream and dill just before serving.

Reheating

Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often and avoid boiling, especially after the sour cream has been added.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fun Variations and Customizations

Vegan or Dairy-Free Version

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
• Swap butter with olive oil or vegan margarine
• Use dairy-free sour cream or coconut milk

Extra Hearty Additions

• Add rice, barley, or small pasta shapes
• Stir in white beans or chickpeas
• Add more vegetables like celery root or parsnip

Seasonal Twists

• In spring, try adding asparagus tips or baby spinach
• For a fall variation, include roasted root vegetables like turnips or rutabaga

Related Recipes to Try Next

If you loved this creamy Polish dill soup, you might also enjoy these other comforting and hearty soup recipes:

• Homemade Mushroom Soup Recipe
• Amish Old-Fashioned Potato Soup
• Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Each of these recipes is full of flavor, easy to follow, and perfect for cozy nights.

Join Us on Pinterest

Looking for more cozy soups and traditional recipes? Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration, new recipes, and helpful kitchen tips:
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Final Thoughts

This Polish dill soup is a celebration of simple, humble ingredients elevated by the brightness of fresh dill and the richness of sour cream. It’s cozy, creamy, and deeply satisfying—perfect for those days when you want something soothing and soul-warming.

Whether you’re cooking it for the first time or coming back to a beloved childhood favorite, I hope this recipe brings you comfort and joy. If you try it, let me know how it turned out in the comments or tag me on social media. Your feedback means everything.

Happy cooking!

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