Step Aside, Tortellini. Pierogi Soup Is The Ultimate Comfort Food

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a steaming bowl of soup that's ready to heal whatever ails your body or spirit. While tortellini are an easy, classic addition to add heft to your soup, it's time to give pierogi their moment in the spotlight. These delightful dumplings, typically filled with creamy mashed potatoes, savory cheese, or sometimes ground meat, can elevate any soup into a filling, satisfying meal.

Whether you're whipping up a homemade chicken noodle or grabbing a can from your pantry, tossing in some pierogi is the easiest hack to a hearty soup. Because pierogi have such a simple flavor profile, they go easily with most soups, including chicken noodle, creamy roasted tomato, potato leek, and even a spooky pumpkin curry. The great news is you can almost always find frozen pierogi at your local grocery store, making this a quick-and-effortless way to transform your soup with, quite literally, no fuss.

Pierogi soup may be a rushed chef's savior, but there are a few small tricks to make sure this easy recipe reaches its full potential. The most important note is to brown your pierogi in a skillet before tossing them in the soup. If you fry the pierogi in a pot first, rather than a skillet, you can add all the other soup ingredients step-by-step and still have a one-pot meal!

Another key hack relies on some other simple add-ins. Pierogi are often served with caramelized onions (try this easy steaming technique for faster caramelization) and sour cream, and you can mimic these excellent pairings in your soup. Caramelize some onions or other vegetables, such as carrots and celery, and add them to your broth along with the dumplings. No matter what you do, or what type of soup base you've used, don't forget to garnish your soup with a dollop of sour cream for that finishing touch. You can also add smoked sausage or kielbasa for an umami richness that complements the dumplings and combines two Eastern European dishes in one meal. Finally, as always, don't shy away from experimenting when it comes to spices! A pinch of dill, caraway seeds, or even a dash of smoked paprika all go excellent with pierogi, and so go great in pierogi soup.

Historically, pierogi are a beloved staple in Eastern European cuisine, particularly in Poland and Ukraine. These delightful dumplings are typically made from unleavened dough and filled with a variety of ingredients, ranging from creamy mashed potatoes as the standard to sugared fruits for a dessert version.

The origins of pierogi can be traced back to the 13th century, with some theories suggesting they may have originated as dumplings in China and traveled along the silk road to Europe , changing to meet local tastes and ingredients as they traveled. The word "pierogi" itself is derived from a Slavic term for a ceremonial cake, because these hearty dumplings were often served at celebrations. Today, the renowned pieróg (singular for pierogi) has traveled far, wide, and gained particular popularity in the United States. Pierogi are especially beloved in cities with large Eastern European immigrant communities, such as Pittsburgh, where they host pierogi festivals and have pierogi mascot races at baseball games to celebrate the delicious dish.