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Hearty Potato Kielbasa Soup: A Comforting Polish-Inspired Classic
Table of Contents
The Story Behind Potato Kielbasa Soup
This soup traces its origins to Eastern European and Polish immigrant kitchens, where kielbasa sausage and humble potatoes were staples. Over generations, families perfected this recipe as a satisfying winter warmer and Sunday supper favorite, combining affordable ingredients into a nourishing dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: Potatoes and kielbasa create a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal.
- Polish-Inspired: Authentic kielbasa sausage lends classic Eastern European flavor.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot.
- Customizable: Add cream, greens, or spices to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Mild, creamy broth and tender veggies please kids and adults alike.
Variations
- Smoked Turkey Kielbasa: Swap in turkey kielbasa for a lighter option.
- Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end for extra richness.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add 2 cups chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or hot paprika.
- Gluten-Free: Thicken with a cornstarch slurry instead of flour.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Leftovers
- Blend half the batch for a creamy potato-kielbasa puree.
- Use as a topping for baked potatoes or rice bowls.
- Stir into cooked pasta for a quick sausage-potato pasta.
- Serve over grains like farro or quinoa for extra texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the kielbasa and sauté the vegetables on the stove, then transfer to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours.
Can I use a different sausage?
Absolutely. Any smoked or spicy sausage works well in place of kielbasa.
How do I thicken the soup?
Mash a few potato chunks against the side of the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be. Use a gluten-free kielbasa and thicken with cornstarch instead of flour.
Hearty Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb beef kielbasa, sliced into rounds Get it NOW>>> https://amzn.to/3FLgytA
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup diced carrots
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1½ lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Cook the Kielbasa and Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic; sauté until tender, about 4 minutes.
Simmer the Soup:
- Stir in potatoes and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Finish and Serve:
- Return kielbasa to the pot; stir in milk, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper; garnish with parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 950mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 15g |
Recipe Notes
- For extra flavor, brown kielbasa until slightly crisp.
- Adjust thickness by adding more broth or simmering longer.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Swap parsley for thyme or dill for a different herb note.
- Leftover soup tastes even better the next day!
Final Thoughts
Hearty potato kielbasa soup brings together simple ingredients for a flavorful, warming meal. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or craving comfort on a cold night, this easy recipe delivers satisfying results every time. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and enjoy a taste of Polish tradition in every bowl.
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