The Best Simple Polish Tomato Soup Recipe (Pomidorowa Zupa)
The best simple Polish tomato soup recipe (Zupa Pomidorowa) is bursting with fresh flavors and the absolute perfect thing to eat with grilled cheese. The soup begins by sauteeing onions, carrots, fresh ginger, and spices. Fresh tomatoes are roughly chopped and added to the pot to simmer and become soft.
Flavorful chicken broth and a bay leaf are added and it is left to stew for about 30 minutes. Heavy cream is mixed in at the end to sweeten and enrich the soup even more. Polish tomato soup is usually served over rice or small pasta.
Polish tomato soup, known as “Zupa Pomidorowa” in Polish, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that is deeply rooted in Polish cuisine. This classic soup is a staple in Polish households and is often served as a comforting starter or main course, especially during colder months. It was traditionally prepared on Mondays using the chicken stock from the Sunday meal. Pureed tomatoes were added to the stock to make a delicious and convenient dish.
History Of Polish Tomato Soup Recipe (Pomidorowa Zupa)
Tomato soup is a popular dish in Poland, and it has a long and storied history. The first known recipe for tomato soup in Poland dates back to the 16th century. This recipe was published in a cookbook by Stanisław Czerniecki, and it called for tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. Tomato soup quickly became a popular dish among the Polish nobility, and it was often served at banquets and other special occasions.
In the 18th century, tomato soup (pomidorowa soup) began to appear in cookbooks for most Polish families These recipes were often simpler than the ones that had been published in the 16th century, and they called for ingredients that were more readily available. Tomato soup quickly became a staple of the Polish diet, and it is still a popular dish today.
There are many different variations of tomato soup in Poland. Some recipes call for the soup to be made with fresh tomatoes, while others call for canned tomatoes. Some recipes call for the soup to be blended until it is smooth, while others call for it to be left chunky. There are regional variations of Polish tomato soup with some recipes incorporating additional ingredients like mushrooms, potatoes, or barley. Some cooks also add a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. No matter how it is made, tomato soup is always a delicious and hearty meal.
Ingredients For The Best Simple Polish Tomato Soup Recipe (Pomidorowa Zupa)
The main ingredients in the best simple Polish tomato soup recipe (Pomidorowa Zupa) include ripe and flavorful tomatoes, fresh vegetables (such as carrots, celery, onions, and sometimes bell peppers), and a rich beef, chicken, or vegetable broth. Homemade chicken broth or vegetable stock is a wonderful choice! The soup is seasoned with herbs and spices, such as bay leaves, parsley, and black pepper, to add depth and complexity to the taste.
Here are the ingredients:
- 8 large ripe tomatoes (4 pounds)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
- 1-2 teaspoons ginger, freshly grated
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1-2 teaspoons salt, to taste
- 1/2-1 teaspoon of black pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup heavy cream
Variations Of Ingredients
This delicious dish would also make a lovely cold tomato soup recipe or a Polish tomato rice soup. Here are some other suggested variations of ingredients:
- Red paprika (hot or sweet)
- Curry Powder
- Garlic cloves/powder
- Fresh Herbs
- Sour cream
- Creme fraise
- Bouillon cube
- One or two large celery stalks
- Fresh dill
Instructions For Making The Best Simple Polish Tomato Soup Recipe (Pomidorowa Zupa)
Cooking Process: Polish tomato soup is typically made by sautéing the vegetables in butter or oil until they become soft and fragrant. Then, the tomatoes are added and cooked until they break down and release their natural juices. The mixture is then simmered in broth, melding the flavors together. Some recipes call for thickening the soup with a roux or a mixture of flour and water, while others prefer a thinner consistency.
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
1. Melt butter in a 6-quart Dutch oven (or a large pot). Finely dice the onions and carrots and add them to the soup pot. Stir them and cook for 6-8 minutes until they begin to brown and soften.
2. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and add them to the pot over medium-low heat. Grate in the fresh ginger.
3. Add the sugar, turmeric, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook at a gentle boil for 8-10 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add a bay leaf. Stir, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes on medium heat.
5. Uncover, stir, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Take off the heat, remove the bay leaf, and blend with an immersion blender (or very carefully in a food processor) until smooth. You can leave it chunky too.
7. Pour about one cup of the hot soup slowly into the cream to temper it. Then slowly pour the sweet cream into the tomato soup.
8. Top with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes:
-Two 29-ounce cans of tomato puree can be substituted for the fresh tomatoes.
-Olive oil can be added with the butter.
-Use Polish chicken soup as the base.
-A bit of tomato paste or tomato concentrate can be used to thicken the soup up.
– Substitute parsnips for the carrots.
-4 cups of liquid go into the soup. Use a combination of meat stock, veggie stock, cold water, store-bought chicken broth, or a splash of white wine.
-Add in the cream or sour cream mixture at the end of cooking so it doesn’t separate.
What To Serve With The Best Simple Polish Tomato Soup Recipe (Pomidorowa Zupa)
Polish tomato soup is traditionally served hot, often garnished with chopped fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of grated hard cheese. Slices of bread or croutons commonly accompany it for dipping. Tomato soup is a versatile dish that people of all ages can enjoy.
Serve traditional Polish tomato soup over:
Cook these suggestions first and ladle the soup over them. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or cheese.
- Vermicelli
- White rice (zupa pomidorowa z ryżem)
- Brown rice
- Egg noodles
- Orzo
- Any small pasta shapes
- A long noodle like spaghetti
- Barley
- Couscous
Serve Polish Tomato Soup With:
- Baked chicken breasts
- Broiled chicken thighs
- Polish sausage or andouille sausage
- Pork chops
- Pork roast
- Irish soda bread
- Artisan rolls
- Norwegian sweet bread
- Pickled vegetables
- Red cabbage salad
- Chicken salad
How To Store
Store this delicious soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Stir well when reheating to remix the cream into the soup base.
Health Benefits of Tomatoes
Tomato season brings some of the most flavorful and sweet tomatoes ever, but it’s February in Michigan (BRRRR). Store-bought tomatoes, canned tomato puree, or any kind of tomatoes you can find will work fine.
Tomatoes are a major dietary source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to several health benefits, including:
Reduced risk of cancer: Lycopene has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in vitro and animal studies. Some studies have suggested that eating tomatoes may be associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer and lung cancer.
Improved heart health: Tomatoes are a good source of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect the heart from damage. Some studies have suggested that eating tomatoes may be associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
Lowered risk of macular degeneration: Macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in older adults. Tomatoes contain antioxidants that can help protect the eyes from damage, and some studies have suggested that eating tomatoes may be associated with a lower risk of macular degeneration.
Healthy skin: Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for healthy skin. Vitamin C helps to produce collagen, a protein that gives skin strength and elasticity. Tomatoes also contain antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation.
Boosted immunity: Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C helps to protect the body from infection.
In addition to this healthy recipe, tomatoes are also a good source of other nutrients, such as vitamins A, E, and K, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Wrapping Up The Best Simple Polish Tomato Soup Recipe (Pomidorowa Zupa)
Polish tomato soup is a delicious and comforting dish that showcases the simplicity and hearty flavors of Polish cuisine. Its combination of fresh tomatoes, vegetables, and a flavorful broth makes it a cherished dish enjoyed by many.
The best simple Polish tomato soup is a great option for any weeknight meal and it will please the whole family. Let me know in the comments below how you enjoyed this recipe.
Cheers,
Sarah
Recipe Card For The Best Simple Polish Tomato Soup Recipe (Pomidorowa Zupa)
The Best Simple Polish Tomato Soup Recipe (Pomidorowa Zupa)
Ingredients
- 8 large ripe tomatoes 4 pounds
- 3 medium carrots peeled and finely chopped
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
- 1-2 teaspoons ginger freshly grated
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1-2 teaspoons salt to taste
- 1/2-1 teaspoon of black pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Melt butter in a 6-quart Dutch oven (or a large pot). Finely dice the onions and carrots and add them to the soup pot. Stir them and cook for 6-8 minutes until they begin to brown and soften.
- Cut the tomatoes into wedges and add them to the pot over medium-low heat. Grate in the fresh ginger.
- Add the sugar, turmeric, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook at a gentle boil for 8-10 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add a bay leaf. Stir, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes on medium heat.
- Uncover, stir, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Take off the heat, remove the bay leaf, and blend with an immersion blender (or very carefully in a food processor) until smooth. You can leave it chunky too.
- Pour about one cup of the hot soup slowly into the cream to temper it. Then slowly pour the sweet cream into the tomato soup.
- Top with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Another tempting recipe to try. Didn’t know there was Polish chicken soup! Gorgeous photos.