Description
Polish-inspired kielbasa potato soup brings hearty comfort to winter tables. Rich ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying one-pot meal you’ll savor with each warming spoonful.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsps cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sausage Preparation: Heat a large pot over medium flame and render kielbasa until golden-brown, developing a rich, smoky caramelization. Remove sausage, reserving for later use.
- Aromatic Base: In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until translucent, creating a flavor-packed foundation for the soup. The residual sausage drippings will enhance the overall depth.
- Potato Integration: Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow potatoes to become tender and absorb the surrounding liquid’s essence for approximately 15 minutes.
- Creamy Transformation: Pour in milk and sprinkle dried thyme, stirring consistently to develop a smooth, velvety texture. Season with salt and pepper, balancing the soup’s intricate flavor profile.
- Final Assembly: Return kielbasa to the pot, warming it thoroughly and allowing its smoky notes to permeate the entire soup. Ensure all ingredients are heated evenly and harmoniously blended.
- Serving Suggestion: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Customize with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions. Pair with crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
Maximize Kielbasa Flavor: Carefully render kielbasa at medium heat to achieve a golden-brown exterior, which concentrates its rich, smoky taste and creates a delicious flavor foundation for the soup.
Control Potato Texture: Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent some chunks from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version, and use low-sodium chicken broth to manage salt intake without compromising taste.
Prevent Curdling Technique: Temper milk by gradually adding a small amount of hot broth before incorporating it fully, which helps maintain a smooth, creamy consistency and prevents unwanted separation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg