Pierogi Dill Soup is the ultimate comfort food, featuring creamy broth loaded with kielbasa, hearty vegetables, and fresh dill. With store-bought pierogi, this one-pot soup is quick, filling, and perfect for busy nights. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with the comforting flavors of Polish cuisine. Whether you stick with the classic fillings or get creative, this soup will warm you from the inside out.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 11 oz kielbasa, sliced

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into half-moons

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp sweet paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 5 cups chicken broth

• ¼ head savoy cabbage, cored and chopped

• 3 tbsp cheese spread (room temperature)

• 12 pierogi (cheese and potato filling)

• 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill

• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Slice the kielbasa, peel and cut the carrots, mince the garlic, dice the onion, and chop the cabbage and dill.

2. Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove kielbasa from the pot and set aside.

3. Add garlic, onion, and carrots to the pot. Sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in paprika and cumin.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the cabbage, cover the pot, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Remove the lid, stir in the cheese spread, and increase heat to medium-high. Add pierogi and cook until they start to float (about 3-5 minutes for fresh pierogi, or 8 minutes for frozen).

6. Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked kielbasa, fresh dill, and season with freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 352 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 7 g

• Protein: 13 g

• Fat: 29 g

  • Saturated Fat: 10 g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g

• Cholesterol: 67 mg

• Sodium: 1892 mg

• Potassium: 301 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 4 g

• Vitamin A: 361 IU

• Vitamin C: 4 mg

• Calcium: 75 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

What Makes Pierogi Dill Soup Special

The combination of flavors and ingredients in Pierogi Dill Soup makes it an ideal comfort food. The soup’s base is a creamy, flavorful broth, which is enriched by the addition of kielbasa, a traditional Polish sausage that brings a smoky, savory element to the dish. Kielbasa is well-known for its depth of flavor and hearty texture, making it the perfect addition to a soup that aims to be both satisfying and rich in flavor.

What truly sets this soup apart is the inclusion of pierogi. These dumplings, typically filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, potatoes, or even meat, are a central part of Polish cuisine. In this soup, they cook directly in the broth, absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients while maintaining their soft, doughy texture. The pierogi provide a delicious contrast to the other hearty ingredients, making each spoonful a satisfying bite.

The use of fresh dill is also integral to this dish, as it brings a fresh, herby note that balances the richness of the broth and kielbasa. Dill has a bright, slightly tangy flavor that complements the savory and earthy tones of the soup. Combined with the other vegetables, such as carrots and cabbage, dill adds a refreshing layer to the soup that enhances its overall flavor profile.

The Heartiness of Kielbasa in Pierogi Dill Soup

Kielbasa is a key ingredient in many Polish dishes, and it plays a vital role in Pierogi Dill Soup. This flavorful sausage, typically made from pork or beef, is seasoned with a mix of garlic, marjoram, and other spices that give it its characteristic smoky and savory flavor. In this soup, the kielbasa is first browned in vegetable oil to enhance its flavor and create a crispy texture. As it simmers with the other ingredients, the kielbasa imparts its savory juices into the broth, creating a rich, flavorful base for the soup.

What makes kielbasa such an excellent addition to this dish is its ability to balance the other components. The smoky, salty flavor of the kielbasa works well with the mildness of the cabbage and carrots, as well as the richness of the cheese-filled pierogi. It also contrasts nicely with the creamy broth, giving the soup a satisfying depth of flavor that makes each bite more enjoyable.

The kielbasa in Pierogi Dill Soup also contributes to the soup’s heartiness. Unlike other soups that rely solely on vegetables or broth for their substance, the kielbasa adds a protein component that makes this soup a full meal. Its rich flavor and texture help to create a soup that is both filling and satisfying, ensuring that each serving is as hearty as it is delicious.

The Role of Vegetables in Pierogi Dill Soup

While the kielbasa and pierogi are the stars of this dish, the vegetables play an important supporting role. Carrots, onions, and cabbage bring both flavor and texture to the soup, making it more balanced and nourishing.

Carrots, sliced into half-moons, add a slight sweetness to the soup that contrasts with the savory flavors of the kielbasa and the richness of the cheese in the pierogi. Their bright orange color also adds visual appeal to the dish, making the soup not only delicious but also vibrant and inviting.

Onions provide an aromatic base for the soup, adding a savory depth to the broth as they sauté with garlic and spices. Their natural sweetness becomes more pronounced as they cook, helping to round out the flavors of the soup and complement the other ingredients.

Cabbage is another essential vegetable in Pierogi Dill Soup. It brings a slight crunch and a mild, earthy flavor that works well with the other vegetables and kielbasa. As the cabbage simmers in the broth, it softens and infuses the soup with its subtle flavor, creating a satisfying texture that contrasts with the soft pierogi.

Together, these vegetables provide a balanced, nutritious base for the soup, helping to round out the flavors and create a dish that is both filling and satisfying.

The Importance of Fresh Dill

Fresh dill is a key ingredient in this soup, as it imparts a distinct herbal flavor that elevates the dish. Dill has a fresh, slightly tangy taste that complements the rich, savory ingredients in the soup, such as the kielbasa and the cheese-filled pierogi. Its bright, vibrant flavor acts as a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy broth and hearty meats and vegetables, helping to balance the richness of the soup.

Dill is a staple herb in many Eastern European dishes, especially those in Polish cuisine. It is often used in soups, salads, and sauces, adding a burst of freshness to otherwise heavy or creamy dishes. In Pierogi Dill Soup, the fresh dill is stirred in just before serving, allowing its flavor to infuse the soup without losing its bright, aromatic quality. This final addition brings a burst of freshness to the soup, making each spoonful taste light and refreshing, despite the richness of the other ingredients.

If you’re not a fan of dill or prefer a different flavor profile, you can experiment with other fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, though dill is undoubtedly the most traditional and quintessential flavor for this Polish-inspired dish.

A One-Pot Meal for Busy Nights

One of the best things about Pierogi Dill Soup is how easy it is to make. This recipe is a one-pot meal, meaning all the ingredients are cooked together in a single pot, saving you time on cleanup. The soup comes together quickly, with the kielbasa being browned and the vegetables added to simmer in the flavorful broth. The pierogi cook directly in the soup, soaking up the rich flavors as they cook.

Because this soup uses store-bought pierogi, it eliminates the need for making dumplings from scratch, making it an ideal choice for busy nights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are simple, yet they come together to create a meal that feels special and satisfying.

Versatility of Pierogi Dill Soup

Another great thing about Pierogi Dill Soup is its versatility. While this recipe uses cheese-filled pierogi, you can easily swap out the pierogi filling to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a more savory option, you can use pierogi filled with meat or mushrooms. You can even experiment with different types of kielbasa or add extra vegetables such as potatoes or bell peppers to make the soup more hearty.

For those with dietary restrictions, this soup can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pierogi. Additionally, you could substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the soup, though the flavor of kielbasa is a key component in the traditional version.

Conclusion

Pierogi Dill Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that brings the flavors of Polish cuisine to your table in an easy, one-pot meal. With its creamy broth, kielbasa, vegetables, and fresh dill, this soup is rich, satisfying, and full of comforting flavors. The addition of pierogi makes it even more special, as these beloved dumplings soak up the savory broth and become a key component of the soup.