Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana) Recipe

Zupa Ziemniaczana, also known as Polish Potato Soup, is a beloved comfort food that is both simple and flavorful. This soup features tender potatoes simmered in a rich broth with a variety of vegetables, often including carrots, celery, and onions. The addition of Polish sausage like kielbasa lends a smoky depth, while a touch of marjoram adds a unique herbal note. Zupa Ziemniaczana is traditionally finished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill for an extra touch of creaminess and freshness.

Ingredients

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 ounces Polish sausage (kielbasa), diced
• 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup sour cream, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the bacon drippings. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the Polish sausage, potatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves, and marjoram to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves.
5. To thicken the soup slightly (optional), whisk together a slurry of 2 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of flour. Slowly whisk the slurry into the soup while simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve the Zupa Ziemniaczana hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill (optional).
7. Tips:
8. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and Polish sausage. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
9. If you don't have fresh dill, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill.
10. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.