Polish Tomato Soup (Pomidorowa)

Step 1

Dice the onion into 1/4-inch cubes by cutting it lengthwise in half, then slicing it crosswise into thin half-rings, then cutting those pieces into small cubes about the size of dice.

Step 2

Place the butter in a large pot and set it over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and foams slightly, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Add the diced onion to the melted butter and stir once every 30 seconds until the onion turns translucent and soft, about 4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste to the onion and stir constantly for 1 minute so the paste heats through and darkens slightly, deepening the flavor.

Step 5

Pour in the entire can of tomatoes (juice and all) and the 4 cups of vegetable broth, then stir once to combine.

Step 6

Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium and let it simmer gently for 8 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 1 minute until no longer steaming.

Step 8

Pour the sour cream into a small bowl, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of the hot soup from the pot until smooth, so the sour cream doesn't curdle when it hits the hot liquid.

Step 9

Pour the sour cream mixture back into the pot while stirring constantly, so the soup becomes creamy and evenly colored.

Step 10

Taste the soup, then add a pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper, stirring to combine, and taste again until it tastes the way you want it.