Embracing Quirky Family Traditions
Family holiday traditions and recipes often range from classic to quirky. Kristen Bell, the renowned actress and mother of two, shared her family’s festive yet unconventional recipe that has won over even the toughest kid critics. According to Bell, this recipe may sound unusual at first, but it’s surprisingly delicious and has become a beloved tradition in her household.
A Grandmother’s Delight
“It is one of the most peculiar recipes I have ever come across,” Bell revealed with a hint of nostalgia. Passed down from her grandmother, this recipe holds a special place in her heart. While she’s unsure if it has Polish origins like many other recipes in her family cookbook, one thing is certain – it’s absolutely delectable.
Unveiling the Ingredients
The soup’s base consists of the classic combination of onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes. However, it’s the addition of the actual pickle juice from the jar, along with finely chopped pickles, that gives the soup its unique flavor. The creaminess and tanginess come from the touch of sour cream, resulting in a heavenly taste sensation.
A Hit with Picky Eaters
Even Bell’s children, who are typically not adventurous eaters, were pleasantly surprised by this unconventional dish. The soup’s simplicity is another bonus – it only requires a low simmer, making it ideal for busy parents who may occasionally become distracted from the stove.
The Recipe’s Appeal
“It feels like a festive soup for an event,” Bell exclaimed, adding that it has consistently impressed even the most skeptical first-time tasters. This unique recipe has become the highlight of her family gatherings and has garnered rave reviews from all who have tried it.
Rediscovering the Joy of the Holidays
Aside from enjoying her delightful dill pickle soup, Kristen Bell and her husband, Dax Shepard, have instilled an important tradition in their household – the spirit of giving back. They encourage their children to understand the true essence of the holidays by donating toys to organizations like Baby2Baby and local shelters.
Spreading Joy with Shipt
Partnering with Shipt, a convenient same-day shopping and delivery service, Bell finds solace in a stress-free holiday season. Moreover, her campaign with Shipt resulted in a generous donation to Gleaners, a Feeding America food bank in Detroit, making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
A Time for Thoughtfulness
Bell shared some simple yet profound advice for navigating the potential stress of the holidays: “just pause and breathe.” Taking calming walks during this bustling season has become a helpful practice for her, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the present moment amidst the chaos.
Kristen Bell’s Dill Pickle Soup Recipe
If this unique dish has piqued your curiosity, here’s the recipe to recreate Kristen Bell’s family favorite soup in the comfort of your own home:
Ingredients:
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- Chopped onion
- Shredded or chopped carrots, coarsely grated
- Cubed frozen potatoes (preferably square hash browns or Southern style)
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 5 polish dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1/3-1/2 cup dill pickle juice (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 5 tablespoons sour cream
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots – excluding green beans)
- Garnish: 1/2 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional), 1/2 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
Directions:
- In a pan, sauté onion, celery, and carrots.
- In a Crock-Pot or slow cooker, combine chicken or vegetable broth, dill pickle juice, chopped dill pickles, cubed potatoes, sautéed onions, celery, and carrots. Add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.
- Cook in the Crock-Pot for approximately 4 hours, or until all vegetables are soft.
- In a small bowl, beat milk, sour cream, and flour until smooth. Gradually add a small amount of the hot soup to temper the mixture. Then, slowly pour the tempered mixture into the soup, stirring until smooth.
- Keep the soup warm, but be careful not to boil it, as it may curdle.
- Serve the soup garnished with fresh parsley and dill, if desired.
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
This unique dill pickle soup promises to be a delightful addition to your family’s culinary repertoire. Serve it during the holidays, and watch as it becomes a new tradition that brings joy and surprises to the dining table.
This article is published on Family Cuisine.
