Are you craving a comforting, flavorful soup that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this creamy Czech sour cream and dill soup! This delicious dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly memorable culinary experience. It's the ultimate quick dinner idea, perfect for a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough for a special occasion. This homemade cooking masterpiece is guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest cooks.
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, but adds authentic flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional Garnish: Fresh dill sprigs and a dollop of sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Simple Cooking Journey
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it ideal for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
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Sauté the vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
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Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Add the caraway seeds (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer for flavor: Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This slow simmering process extracts the maximum flavor from the vegetables and creates a rich and comforting base for the soup.
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Stir in sour cream and dill: Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the sour cream and dill. Be careful not to let the soup boil after adding the sour cream, as this can cause it to curdle. Stir until the sour cream is fully incorporated and heated through – just a few minutes. Do not boil.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh dill sprigs and an extra dollop of sour cream, if desired. This delicious and healthy meal is best served warm.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Bowl
- For a smoother soup: Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the sour cream for an extra creamy texture.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of dill, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper to your liking.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
- Dietary variations: Easily make this a vegetarian or vegan soup by using vegetable broth and ensuring your sour cream is plant-based.
Variations: Explore the Possibilities
- Potato addition: Dice 2 medium potatoes and add them along with the other vegetables for a heartier soup.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Lemon zest: A little lemon zest adds a bright and refreshing note to the soup.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving - Approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Czech sour cream and dill soup is a truly satisfying and delicious meal, perfect for any occasion. It’s a wonderful example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Enjoy!