Hearty Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe: A Cozy Bowlful of Comfort

Comfort arrives with this hearty kielbasa potato soup that warms you from the inside out.

Savory sausage links bring robust flavor to a creamy blend of tender potatoes and aromatic vegetables.

Polish culinary traditions shine through each spoonful of this delightful dish.

Cold evenings call for something substantial and satisfying on your plate.

Russet potatoes and smoky kielbasa create a perfect partnership of textures and tastes.

Rich broth promises a meal that feels like a gentle embrace from someone who understands true nourishment.

Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen become a sanctuary of deliciousness.

Variation Ideas for Kielbasa Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Spicy Southwestern Soup: Add diced green chiles, swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder, and top with jalapeños and cilantro for a zesty regional variation.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, ensuring a creamy texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's comforting essence and protein-rich profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Kielbasa Potato Soup

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Select a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, smoky kielbasa and creamy soup base.
• Create Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious soup and add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
• Enhance with Tangy Slaw: Prepare a zesty coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crisp Pilsner: Choose a cold, crisp pilsner beer that will balance the soup's creamy texture and enhance the smoky kielbasa flavor with its light, hoppy profile.

Storage Advice for Kielbasa Potato Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining flavor and texture.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent thickness, and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain creamy consistency.

FAQs About Kielbasa Potato Soup

• Is kielbasa a specific type of sausage?

Kielbasa is a traditional Polish sausage made from pork or beef, known for its robust and smoky flavor. It’s often pre-cooked and can be found in most grocery stores.

• Can I make this soup healthier?

You can reduce calories by using turkey kielbasa, low-fat cream, or replacing cream with milk. Adding more vegetables can also boost nutritional value.

• How do I prevent potatoes from becoming mushy?

Cut potatoes into uniform sizes and avoid overcooking. Mashing only some potatoes helps create a creamy texture without turning the entire soup into a puree.

• What other herbs work well in this soup?

Fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill can complement the smoky kielbasa flavor. Chives also make an excellent alternative to parsley for garnishing.

Why Kielbasa Potato Soup Warms the Soul

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This kielbasa potato soup delivers maximum comfort with its rich, warming ingredients that hug your taste buds and provide deep satisfaction.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's preferences and pantry availability.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking steps make this soup a stress-free meal solution that saves time and reduces kitchen mess.
• Nutrition-Packed Meal: Packed with protein from kielbasa, vegetables for vitamins, and potatoes for hearty substance, this soup offers a balanced and nutritious dining experience.

Ingredients for Kielbasa Potato Soup

• Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds a smoky and rich taste to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid base that provides depth and richness to the soup's flavor.

• Potatoes, Onion, Carrots, Celery: Hearty vegetables that create a satisfying and nutritious base for the soup.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Smoked Paprika: A spice that adds a warm, smoky dimension to the soup.
• Heavy Cream: A creamy ingredient that gives the soup a luxurious and smooth texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb used as a garnish to add color and a subtle herbal note.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat used to sauté the kielbasa and vegetables, adding a subtle flavor and preventing sticking.

Instructions for Kielbasa Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in sliced kielbasa and cook until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown color, creating delicious crispy edges. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the sausage to a separate plate and keep it warm.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Chopped celery

Cook the vegetables until they start to soften and become translucent, which takes around 5 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance with Aromatic Spices

Sprinkle in minced garlic and smoked paprika. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Build the Soup Foundation

Introduce diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become wonderfully tender.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Use a potato masher to gently crush some potatoes, which will naturally thicken the soup and create a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Step 6: Finish with Richness

Return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Pour in heavy cream and let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: Season and Perfect

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper until it reaches your ideal flavor profile.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes. Enjoy your hearty, comforting meal!

Pro Tips for Kielbasa Potato Soup

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Toast the smoked paprika briefly in the pot before adding other ingredients to unlock deeper, richer taste notes.
• Potato Perfection: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamier, more luxurious soup texture that helps naturally thicken the broth.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust the thickness by mashing more or fewer potatoes, letting you create a soup that ranges from chunky to smooth based on your preference.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together, so consider preparing it in advance for more developed taste profiles.
• Quick Protein Swap: Replace kielbasa with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version without compromising the soup's hearty character.

Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 36-44 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish Kielbasa Potato Soup blends smoky sausage with creamy potatoes in a comforting winter classic. Rich flavors and simple ingredients make this soup a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) kielbasa sausage, sliced

Vegetables:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Sear sliced kielbasa in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes at 350°F. Transfer browned sausage to a separate plate.
2. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables become translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.
3. Introduce minced garlic and smoked paprika, allowing aromatics to bloom for 1-2 minutes while releasing their intense flavors.
4. Add diced potatoes and chicken broth, bringing liquid to a vigorous boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes reach a tender consistency.
5. Partially mash potatoes using a potato masher to create a thicker, more robust soup texture, leaving some chunks for varied mouthfeel.
6. Reintroduce browned kielbasa and pour in heavy cream, allowing the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors and warm ingredients thoroughly.
7. Calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
8. Serve hot, garnishing each bowl with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of smoked paprika, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories and fat content.
• Maximize flavor by using homemade chicken broth or a high-quality low-sodium store-bought version, which enhances the soup’s overall taste profile.
• Transform this into a gluten-free dish by ensuring all ingredients, especially broth and kielbasa, are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10-12 minutes
• Cook Time: 26-32 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 438 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 970 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg