How to Make Kielbasa Soup with Potatoes
Dive into the heartwarming embrace of Kielbasa Soup with Potatoes, a rustic and flavorful dish that combines the smoky richness of kielbasa sausage with the earthy comfort of potatoes. This soup is a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or as a comforting meal any day of the week, this kielbasa soup is a versatile dish that’s sure to please a wide range of tastes. Let’s gather our ingredients and cook up a pot of this cozy delight.
Why You’ll Love Kielbasa Soup with Potatoes:
- Rich and Flavorful: Kielbasa adds a smoky depth that elevates the soup’s overall taste.
- Comforting: A bowl of this soup is like a warm hug, perfect for cold days or when you need a bit of comfort.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with potatoes and vegetables, it’s a complete meal in one bowl.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this soup a hassle-free option for any cook.
Ingredients Notes For Kielbasa Soup with Potatoes:
- Kielbasa: Use good quality kielbasa for the best flavor. It can be sliced into rounds or half-moons.
- Potatoes: Choose waxy or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Gold for their texture and ability to hold up in the soup.
- Vegetables: A mix of onions, carrots, and celery forms the aromatic base, while kale or spinach adds color and nutrients.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth works well as the soup’s base. Consider low-sodium options for better control over the seasoning.
- Seasonings: Garlic, thyme, and bay leaves add depth and complexity to the soup’s flavor profile.
Recipe Steps:
- Sauté the Kielbasa: In a large pot, sauté the kielbasa slices until they’re slightly browned. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the potatoes, broth, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Greens and Kielbasa: Return the kielbasa to the pot and add kale or spinach, cooking until the greens are wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaves, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the soup hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Cool the soup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the soup in suitable containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
How to Make Kielbasa Soup with Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound potatoes peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups kale or spinach roughly chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half optional
Instructions
Brown the Kielbasa:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the kielbasa with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Broth and Potatoes:
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir in the dried thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Return Kielbasa to Pot:
- Add the browned kielbasa back to the pot. If using, add the chopped kale or spinach. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until the greens are wilted and the kielbasa is heated through.
Add Cream (Optional):
- If desired, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier soup.
Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm.
