When the weather turns cold and you’re craving something warm, hearty, and soul-satisfying, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of Polish Potato Soup. This rustic, old-world dish—often called Zupa Ziemniaczana in Poland—is a staple in many Polish kitchens and represents the essence of Farmhouse Soup cooking.
With simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, carrots, and broth, this dish is a beautiful representation of Simple Polish Recipes that are both nourishing and comforting. Whether you grew up with Polish traditions or are just exploring Best Polish Recipes, this one-pot wonder will quickly become a favorite in your home.
If you love Stew Soup Recipes, classic slow-simmered meals, or are looking for Delicious Simple Dinners, you’re in for a treat.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Farmhouse Soup a Beloved Classic in Polish Cuisine?
Polish Potato Soup is the definition of comfort food. It combines creamy potatoes with flavorful broth, vegetables, and sometimes smoked sausage or bacon. It’s cozy, filling, and incredibly versatile.
What sets this soup apart from others is its simplicity—no need for complicated steps or expensive ingredients. Instead, it relies on slow cooking, fresh herbs, and traditional techniques that let each ingredient shine.
Looking for more comforting options? Try our Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole or Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake for delicious seasonal warmth.
Ingredients for Authentic Polish Potato Soup
This version of Polish Potato Soup is wholesome, hearty, and can be adjusted to your family’s taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
Base 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 (for creaminess)
- ½ cup chopped parsley or dill
- 1 cup diced cooked sausage (optional)
This soup can be as basic or dressed-up as you like—perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. If you like vibrant flavors, don’t miss our Fresh Salsa with Cilantro & Lime for an easy appetizer to pair.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Simple Polish Recipe
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Optional: immersion blender (if you like a creamier texture)
Make the process easier with quality tools used in other favorites like Butter Swim Biscuits or Baked Cheese Buns.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Polish Potato Soup from Scratch
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened—about 5–7 minutes.
2. Add the Potatoes
Stir in the diced potatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors blend.
3. Pour in the Broth
Add broth and marjoram. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
4. Adjust Texture
For a chunky version, leave the soup as-is. For a creamy consistency, mash some of the potatoes or blend half of the soup with an immersion blender.
5. Season and Serve
Stir in sour cream if desired. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Top with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Pair it with our Country Gravy Breakfast Enchiladas for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor in Traditional Polish Soups
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamy, non-grainy finish.
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley brighten the dish beautifully.
- Simmer slowly to allow flavors to develop naturally.
- If adding sausage, cook it separately and stir in at the end for texture.
Slow Cooker Option: How to Make Polish Potato Soup as a Crockpot Recipe
Looking for Polish Crockpot Recipes? You can easily adapt this one:
- Sauté the aromatics in a skillet.
- Add everything to the slow cooker except dairy.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4.
- Stir in sour cream just before serving.
This version is ideal for busy days, like our Crab-Stuffed Cheddar Bay Biscuits—ready when you are!
Recipe Variations: Make It Vegetarian, Spicy, or Creamy
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip the sausage.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
- Creamy: Blend more of the soup and add sour cream or heavy cream.
Want more global spins on comfort food? Try our Chipotle Honey Salmon Tacos for something completely different but just as cozy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Making Farmhouse Stew Soup Recipes
- Overcooking the potatoes. They should be soft but not mushy.
- Adding sour cream too early. Wait until after simmering to avoid curdling.
- Skipping seasoning. Taste before serving and adjust!
- Using the wrong potatoes. Avoid russet—they can fall apart and make the soup grainy.
How to Serve Polish Potato Soup: Garnishes, Sides, and Pairings
Elevate your bowl with thoughtful additions:
- Chopped dill or parsley
- Crumbled bacon or sausage
- Crusty bread or Cheddar Biscuits
- A side of cucumber salad or pickles
For dessert, finish with something light like our Peach Sorbet.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Polish Potato Soup the Right Way
To Store:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
Cool completely. Freeze in containers for up to 2 months. Note: soup with dairy may separate, so add sour cream after reheating.
To Reheat:
Warm gently over medium heat. Stir frequently. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Similar Cooking Classy Recipes Soups You’ll Love
Love hearty bowls of soup? Try these other ideas from our collection:
- Easy Cherry Clafoutis (great after soup)
- Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches
- Irresistible Crab Crunchies
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Making the Best Polish Potato Soup
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day.
Can I use milk instead of sour cream?
You can, but it will be thinner. Greek yogurt is a good alternative.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and sausage (if used) are gluten-free.
What can I add for extra protein?
Chopped ham, sausage, or white beans work well.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger pot or divide into two batches.
Conclusion & Call to Action: Share This Delicious Bowl & Explore More Best Polish Recipes
This Polish Potato Soup is the very definition of comfort—warm, rich, and easy to make. Whether you serve it for dinner, freeze a batch for later, or bring it to a gathering, it always satisfies.
Simple ingredients. Big flavor. That’s the heart of Polish cooking.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it, leave a comment, and subscribe to RecipeZed for more cozy, traditional, and creative dishes from around the world!
PrintTraditional Polish Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Traditional Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana) is a cozy and comforting farmhouse-style dish made with potatoes, carrots, onion, broth, and herbs. This simple, hearty one-pot recipe is perfect for cold days and delivers rich, homemade flavor with minimal effort.
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 over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add Potatoes: Stir in diced potatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add Broth: Pour in broth and marjoram. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Blend or Leave Chunky: Mash some of the potatoes or blend half of the soup for a creamier texture.
- Finish: Stir in sour cream if using. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold or other waxy potatoes for a creamy finish.
- Don’t add sour cream until the end to avoid curdling.
- Add sausage at the end to preserve its texture.
- Freeze soup without dairy and add cream after reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg