Polish Żurek is a traditional sour rye soup that is a staple in Polish cuisine. This hearty and tangy soup is made with fermented rye flour, sausage, potatoes, and eggs. It’s a comforting dish, often enjoyed during Easter but perfect for any time of the year. The unique sour flavor comes from the fermented rye starter, known as “zakwas.”
Appliances and Special Utensils
Ingredients
- 1 cup rye flour
- 4 cups water (for rye starter)
- 8 cups water (for soup)
- 1 bay leaf
- 3-4 allspice berries
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 parsley root or parsnip, chopped
- 1 leek, chopped
- 1 white sausage (kielbasa), sliced
- 1 smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp marjoram
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp horseradish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Rye Starter: In a medium bowl, mix the rye flour with 4 cups of water. Cover with a cloth and let it ferment at room temperature for 3-5 days, stirring daily. This is your “zakwas.”
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Cook Vegetables: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the bay leaf, allspice berries, garlic, onion, potatoes, carrot, parsley root, and leek. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
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Add Sausages: Add the white sausage and smoked sausage to the pot. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes until the sausages are cooked through.
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Add Zakwas: Strain the fermented rye mixture into the pot, discarding any solids. Stir well to combine.
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Season: Add the marjoram, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
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Finish with Cream: In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream with a few tablespoons of hot soup until smooth. Gradually add this mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly to avoid curdling.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with half a hard-boiled egg. If desired, add a dollop of horseradish for extra flavor.
Enjoy your traditional Polish Żurek, a comforting and tangy soup that brings the rich flavors of Poland to your table!