Hey there, friend! Gather ’round because I’ve got a soup recipe that’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. This isn’t just any soup; it’s Potato Kielbasa Soup, and trust me, you’re going to love it. It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and it’s surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to dive into a bowl of creamy, dreamy goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love Potato Kielbasa Soup
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for any meal, any season. Enjoy it as a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to your favorite flavors and dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Here’s where the magic begins! This soup combines simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. Let’s take a peek at what you’ll need:
Kielbasa Sausage: The star of the show! Opt for high-quality Polish kielbasa for the best smoky flavor. Turkey kielbasa works as well.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are fantastic for that creamy texture we all crave.
Garlic: Because what’s a good soup without a little garlic? It brings warmth and a hint of spice.
Celery: Offers a subtle herbal note and a refreshing crunch.
Carrots: Introduce a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
Chicken Broth: The liquid base that brings everything together in a harmonious blend.
Milk or Cream: For that luscious, creamy texture that makes this soup irresistible.
Cheddar Cheese: Because cheese makes everything better, right? Adds a rich, melty layer of comfort.
Parmesan Cheese: Its nutty, salty notes complement the cheddar cheese and adds depth.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshness that brightens up the whole bowl.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own pot of Potato Kielbasa Soup magic:
Preheat Your Equipment: Grab your favorite Dutch oven or large soup pot. No preheating needed here, but make sure it’s ready to go.
Cook the Kielbasa: Heat a bit of olive oil in your pot. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until it’s nicely browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage and set it aside for later.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Make it Creamy: This is where the magic happens. Stir in the milk or cream and let it warm through. If you want an extra smooth soup, you can blend half of it before adding the cream.
Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Get ready for that cheesy goodness.
Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Finishing Touches: Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. A pinch of salt and pepper can make all the difference[1][3].
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra cheese and parsley if desired, and serve warm with a side of crusty bread. Get ready for smiles all around.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350 (estimated, may vary based on specific ingredients)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve Potato Kielbasa Soup
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Crusty Bread: A must-have for soaking up all that delicious broth
Side Salad: A fresh green salad adds a crisp contrast to the rich soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For the ultimate comfort food experience.
Toppings Bar: Set out a variety of toppings like sour cream, green onions, and hot sauce for everyone to customize their bowl.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the soup. Splurge on good kielbasa and cheese for the best flavor.
Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the veggies brings out their sweetness and adds depth to the soup.
Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry. For a thinner soup, add more broth.
Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld.
FAQ’s
Can I use a different type of sausage? Yes, feel free to experiment with other sausages like smoked sausage or Andouille for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this soup vegetarian? Substitute the kielbasa with smoked tofu or vegetarian sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I freeze this soup? Yes, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
How do I reheat the soup? Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Corn, green beans, or spinach would be great additions.
Is this soup gluten-free? It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free broth and avoid adding any flour-based thickeners[9].
Can I use low-fat milk or cream? Yes, but keep in mind that it will affect the creaminess of the soup. Whole milk or heavy cream will give you the richest flavor and texture.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, combine all the ingredients (except the cheese and parsley) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cheese and parsley before serving.
How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy? Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, which hold their shape better during cooking.
What can I serve with this soup? A grilled cheese sandwich, a side salad, or some crusty bread are all great options.
Conclusion
There you have it! Potato Kielbasa Soup a bowl of comfort that’s easy to make and impossible not to love. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a little magic in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Print
Potato Kielbasa Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Eastern European
Description
This hearty and flavorful Potato Kielbasa Soup is a comforting dish made with smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this easy one-pot meal is packed with flavor and can be made in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa, sliced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add the diced potatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the cooked kielbasa and heavy cream, letting the soup heat through without boiling.
- If using cheese, stir it in until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, blend half the soup before adding the kielbasa back in.
- Add carrots and celery for more depth of flavor.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg