Introduction
Family holiday traditions and recipes can range from the classic to the downright quirky. In the spirit of sharing, actress Kristen Bell recently divulged her family’s festive, yet slightly offbeat recipe – one that has even won over her toughest critics: her kids.
Embracing the Unconventional
“First of all, just resist judgment,” Bell humorously advised during her interview with “Good Morning America.” She initially had doubts when her mother first served her this peculiar dish. “I thought, ‘Seriously? You just poured pickle juice into the soup? That’s gnarly’ – and I’m a big pickle fan!”
To her surprise, dill pickle soup has become a beloved tradition in her household. Bell admitted, “It’s one of the weirdest recipes I’ve ever come across. It originated from my grandmother, and my mom used to make it. Most of the recipes in our family cookbook are Polish, and this one is no exception. It’s so delicious!”
The Enchanting Blend
The soup’s flavorful base is a combination of onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes. What sets it apart is the addition of pickle juice straight from the jar, along with finely chopped pickles. Bell described the soup as “a little bit creamy and tangy thanks to the sour cream – it’s simply heavenly.”
Even her kids, who are typically hesitant about trying unfamiliar foods, gave it a thumbs up. Bell shared, “The best part is that you don’t need to boil the soup. It simmers gently the whole time, which is perfect for me because I tend to wander away from the stove.”
The Recipe: Kristen Bell’s Dill Pickle Soup
Ingredients
- 8 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of butter or oil
- Chopped onion
- Coarsely grated shredded or chopped carrots
- Cubed frozen potatoes (Bell suggests square hash browns or Southern style)
- 1 cup of thinly sliced celery
- 5 Polish dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1/3-1/2 cup of dill pickle juice (adjust to your taste)
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 5 tablespoons of sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots – excluding green beans)
- Optional garnish: 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh dill
Directions
- In a pan, sauté the onion, celery, and carrots.
- In a Crock-Pot or slow cooker, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, dill pickle juice, chopped dill pickles, cubed potatoes, onions, celery, and carrots. Add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.
- Cook the soup in the Crock-Pot for approximately 4 hours until all the vegetables are soft.
- In a small bowl, beat the milk, sour cream, and flour until smooth. Gradually add a small amount of the hot soup to temper the mixture. Then, slowly add the tempered mixture back into the soup, stirring until smooth.
- Keep the soup warm, but do not let it boil to prevent curdling.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley and dill.
Keeping Stress at Bay
In addition to her unique recipe, Bell shared how her family embraces the holiday season in their own relaxed way. While they enjoy wearing matching family pajama sets and indulging in their favorite activities – such as building Lego sets or cooking with the kids – Bell and her husband, Dax, prioritize the act of giving back.
“[A] tradition that Dax and I have always practiced, and now we’re passing it on to our kids, is the importance of giving,” Bell explained. “We make it fun for them. We go through all their toys and donate the ones they no longer use to organizations like Baby2Baby or local shelters. And what’s adorable is that my kids insist on wrapping the donated toys first.”
A Season of Generosity
Bell’s partnership with the same-day shopping and delivery service, Shipt, has furthered her commitment to giving back. As part of their collaboration, a donation was made to Gleaners, a Feeding America food bank in Detroit, in Bell’s name. She remarked, “It’s truly heartwarming to know that people who have yet to utilize Shipt’s services can now put food on their tables.”
Bell also encouraged readers to extend their generosity to their neighbors and loved ones. “You can be there for your elderly neighbors by sending them what they need or surprising them with a wonderful meal or a special Christmas present. It’s truly awesome,” she emphasized.
Finding Inner Peace
Amidst the potential stress that comes with the holiday season, Bell offered a simple piece of advice: “Just pause and breathe.”
She recommended applying this mindfulness practice to any challenging situation – whether it’s a burnt turkey, politically charged family conversations, or kids throwing tantrums. “I’ve started taking more long walks during the holidays to recalibrate and remind myself to slow down in this fast-paced world,” confided Bell.
Conclusion
Kristen Bell’s pickle soup presents a unique twist on traditional holiday dishes. With its tangy, creamy flavors, it has become a beloved tradition in her family. This festive soup not only brings joy to their table but also reminds them of the importance of giving back and embracing the spirit of the season.
To discover more delicious recipes and heartwarming family stories, visit Family Cuisine.
