Description
Creamy Dill Pickle Soup
A unique blend of creamy potatoes and tangy pickles for a hearty soup experience!
Ingredients:
4 cups vegetable stock
1 cup finely chopped pickles
1/2 cup pickle brine
2 large potatoes, diced
1 tbsp flour
1/2 cup sour cream
1 small onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté onion in a pot until translucent. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Add stock, potatoes, and chopped pickles. Cook until potatoes are soft.
Mix in pickle brine and sour cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
“What would you pair this soup with: bread or crackers?”
#HeartyPickleSoup
Step-by-Step Guide
1. In a large soup pot, sauté the chopped onion in a tablespoon of oil or butter over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until soft and translucent. 2. Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the onions and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook the raw flour taste out and form a simple roux. 3. Slowly pour in the vegetable stock while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. 4. Add the diced potatoes and finely chopped pickles to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. 5. In a separate bowl, temper the sour cream by whisking in a few ladles of the hot soup broth. This prevents curdling. 6. Stir the tempered sour cream mixture and the 1/2 cup of pickle brine into the main pot. Heat through on low for another 5 minutes, but do not boil. 7. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remember, the pickles and brine are already salty.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is wonderfully hearty on its own, but is elevated with the right accompaniments. Serve it piping hot in a deep bowl. For the ultimate experience, add a dollop of extra sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh dill on top. For the question of bread or crackers, we recommend a thick, crusty bread like rye or sourdough to soak up the creamy broth. However, buttery crackers also provide a delightful contrasting texture. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
How-to Summary
Sauté onion, make a roux with flour, then whisk in stock. Add potatoes and pickles, simmer until tender. Temper sour cream with hot broth, then stir it and pickle brine into the soup. Heat gently, season, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pickle? Yes, but for authentic flavor, use classic dill pickles, not sweet or bread-and-butter varieties. The brine is key.
How can I make this soup vegetarian/vegan? It’s already vegetarian if using vegetable stock. For vegan, substitute the sour cream with unsweetened, plain cashew cream or a vegan sour cream alternative.
Can I blend the soup? Absolutely. For a smoother, creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks of potato and pickle for texture.
How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the dairy from separating.
My soup turned out too thin/thick. How can I fix it? If too thin, create a slurry with 1 tbsp flour and 2 tbsp cold water, whisk into the simmering soup. If too thick, simply stir in a little extra vegetable stock or water until desired consistency is reached.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding sour cream directly to the hot pot: This will cause it to curdle. Always temper it first with hot broth.
- Using sweet pickles: This will drastically alter the intended savory, tangy flavor profile.
- Overcooking after adding dairy: Bring the soup just to a gentle simmer after adding the sour cream; a rolling boil can cause separation.
- Not tasting before final seasoning: Pickle brine salinity varies. Always do a final taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
Conclusion
Creamy Dill Pickle Soup is a surprisingly delightful and comforting dish that transforms a beloved condiment into a hearty meal. Its unique balance of creamy potato and tangy, briny pickle is a true crowd-pleaser. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can easily master this unconventional soup. Perfect for using up leftover pickle brine, it’s a flavorful adventure that is sure to become a conversation-starting favorite in your recipe rotation. #HeartyPickleSoup
