Dill Pickle Soup Recipe
This Dill Pickle Soup recipe brings together the comforting flavors of potatoes, carrots, and creamy sour cream with the bold tang of dill pickles and fresh dill. Hosted by Theresa Visintin on A Is For Apple 2, this soup is a perfect example of turning simple pantry ingredients into a unique, flavor-packed dish. Its creamy texture and subtle acidity make it ideal for warming up during cooler months, serving at lunch, or presenting as a striking first course for dinner parties.
The Inspiration
Dill Pickle Soup has deep roots in Eastern European and Polish cuisines, where pickled vegetables are often incorporated into hearty soups to provide brightness and complexity. In this episode titled Dill & Duck, Theresa Visintin showcases how the tang of pickles can elevate a classic vegetable soup, transforming ordinary ingredients into something unexpectedly delicious.
The recipe highlights the balance between richness and acidity: buttery potatoes and carrots provide body and comfort, while sour cream and dill pickle juice add creamy tang. Fresh dill and julienned pickles provide an aromatic freshness, while the gentle seasoning allows the vegetables’ natural sweetness to shine.
This approach turns a simple soup into a sophisticated dish without complicated techniques. By introducing tangy pickle juice into the cream-based broth, the recipe demonstrates how small flavor additions can create a vibrant, multi-dimensional dish. It also reflects Theresa Visintin’s culinary philosophy of taking familiar ingredients and techniques, then adding unexpected elements to make each bite exciting and memorable.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (180ml) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (480ml) cubed carrots
- 2 lbs. (900g) white flesh potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 cups (1.44L) chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) dill pickles, cubed +1 cup (240ml) dill pickles, julienned (for garnish)
- ¾ cup (180ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream + more, for garnish
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) dill pickle juice
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Method
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter.
- Stir in carrots and potatoes and cook, while stirring, for 4-5 minutes.
- Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until carrots and potatoes are fork tender.
- Stir in pickles, and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sour cream and ½ cup of water until smooth.
- Slowly whisk flour mixture into the soup until incorporated.
- Add pickle juice and stir.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and remove from heat.
- Serve soup hot, garnished with fresh dill, julienned dill pickles, and extra sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
Dill Pickle Soup is best served hot, straight from the pot, when its creamy texture and tangy aroma are most inviting. Garnish generously with fresh dill and julienned pickles for added texture and brightness. A swirl of sour cream on top enhances the richness and visual appeal. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty rye bread or buttered sourdough for dipping, making it ideal for chilly evenings or casual family dinners. It can also be served as a starter before roasted poultry or hearty mains, offering a refreshing yet comforting first course that sparks conversation thanks to its unique flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Dill Pickle Soup recipe is a celebration of bold, tangy flavor wrapped in creamy comfort. The combination of buttery potatoes, sweet carrots, briny pickles, and fresh dill creates a soup that’s both hearty and vibrant.
Presented by Theresa Visintin on A Is For Apple 2, this dish demonstrates how simple ingredients can deliver surprising depth and character. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, this soup offers warmth, richness, and a bright twist that keeps every spoonful interesting.
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