Vegan Rye Sourdough Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Slavic Classic

Sourdough soups are a beloved part of Slavic cuisines, featuring various fermented grains like rye, oat, barley, or wheat. One popular variation is the Polish rye sourdough soup called żurek. The author, Kip Dorrell, first encountered this soup in Warsaw and it remains a memorable part of their visit to Poland.

This recipe is an easy lockdown version of the traditional żurek soup. While it may not compare to the authentic version, it is a delicious twist worth trying. The addition of salty vegan bacon or liquid smoke adds depth of flavor to the soup.

Vegan Rye Sourdough Soup

• 1 liter water
• 1 – 1 ½ cups of ½ inch dice root vegetables (carrot, celeriac, and/or parsnip)
• ½ onion, roughly chopped
• 2-3 large cloves garlic, smashed
• ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• 3 peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5-10 grams dried chanterelles or other dried mushrooms
• ¾ cup 1 inch pieces new potato
• 2-3 vegan sausages or bacon pieces, sliced and fried
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• 5-7 tablespoons rye sourdough starter
• Additional salt for seasoning
• White pepper for serving
• Chopped fresh herbs like parsley and/or dill for garnish
• Vegan cream, creme fraiche, or yogurt (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine water, root vegetables, onion, garlic, dried herbs and spice, salt, and mushrooms. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Add the potatoes and sausages/bacon. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked. Reduce heat to the lower temperature setting and cover.
3. Remove 1 cup of stock and let it cool. When it reaches room temperature, add the rye sourdough starter to the stock and whisk it together.
4. Increase the heat to medium, and pour the sourdough liquid back into the pot, stirring constantly. The soup will thicken. Optionally, add the liquid smoke for extra flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed with salt.
5. Serve the soup with a sprinkle of white pepper, fresh herbs, and a swirl of vegan cream, creme fraiche, or yogurt if desired.

This vegan rye sourdough soup is a delightful way to enjoy a twist on a classic Slavic dish. The combination of tangy sourdough, savory vegetables, and traditional seasonings creates a hearty and flavorful soup. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough enthusiast or a newcomer to this style of cuisine, this recipe is sure to impress.

Source: Rye sourdough soup