by Chef Radya
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When the weather grows chilly, a steaming bowl of thick soup is the perfect way to keep warm. This Kielbasa Potato Soup is a timeless comfort dish that marries the smoky essence of Polish kielbasa and the creamy texture of potatoes, enhanced by melted cheese for an added touch of delight. Originating from Eastern European cooking, this soup is not only tasty but also quite filling, ideal for a family meal or prepping ahead of time. Additionally, it’s simple to prepare, even during a hectic week!
The Perfect Choice of Meal: Kielbasa Potato Soup
Looking for comfort food?
Your search ends here with Kielbasa Potato Soup. This robust soup combines smoky sausage and creamy potatoes, offering rich flavors that will heat you up right away.
Reasons You Will Enjoy It
Amazing Taste:
A blend of smoky kielbasa, soft potatoes, and garlic creates a delightful flavor that’s hard to pass up.
Simple Preparation:
Requires straightforward ingredients that you likely have at home, and you don’t need expert cooking skills!
Easy CleanUp:
Since it’s a onepot meal, you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your dish.
Fully Adaptable:
Want it to have more heat? Just add paprika. Going vegetarian? Swap out the sausage for tofu. Customize it as you like!
Delicious Leftovers:
The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to mix.
Ultimate Comfort:
Picture a warm, creamy soup served with crusty bread. It’s pure joy in a bowl!
Ingredients for the Potato Soup
Potatoes (2 lbs):
The base of the soup. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for a creamy, smooth texture.
Kielbasa (4 sausages):
Adds a tasty smoky flavor. You can use turkey sausage or vegetarian substitutes if desired.
Onion & Celery:
Provide sweetness and freshness while enhancing the soup’s depths.
Garlic:
Contributes strong, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Thyme:
Introduces earthy herbal hints that complement the richness of the soup.
Liquid and Creaminess
Chicken Stock (4 cups):
Forms the flavorful foundation of the soup. For a vegetarian version, vegetable stock can be used.
Cream (½ cup):
Brings a rich smooth texture. Dairyfree options like oat or coconut cream are suitable substitutes.
Cheese (½ cup):
Melts into the soup, adding savory richness and extra creaminess.
Final Touches
Green Onions:
A garnish that introduces a fresh, slightly spicy element to the creamy soup.
Olive Oil:
Used for cooking the ingredients, allowing their flavors to blossom.
Salt:
Enhances the natural taste, but use carefully due to the existing saltiness from the sausage and stock.
Ingredient Tips:
Feel free to swap kielbasa for turkey sausage or a plantbased option depending on dietary needs.
Opt for lowsodium stock if you want to manage salt content, especially if your kielbasa is salty.
How to Create the Best Kielbasa Potato Soup at Home
1. Cook the Kielbasa
In a big soup pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add in the sliced kielbasa and cook until it becomes golden and slightly crispy. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
Place the diced onion and celery into the same pot with the remaining oil and cook for four to five minutes, until the vegetables become tender. Stir in the chopped garlic and thyme, cooking for another 30 seconds to bring out their aroma.
3. Let the Soup Simmer
After adding the water, include the cubed potatoes and a small amount of salt. Return half of the cooked kielbasa to the pot. Reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
4. Blend and Finish
Remove half of the soup from the pot and blend it until it reaches a creamy texture using an immersion blender or a conventional blender. To the blended soup, mix in the cream, grated cheese, and the remaining slices of kielbasa. Keep on low heat until the cheese has melted and the soup is hot throughout.
5. Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated cheese and chopped green onions. Serve while hot, accompanied by crusty bread.
Expert Tips & Variations
To Create a Thicker Soup:
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch before adding the broth to enhance the thickness.
For a Spicy Kick:
Include a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika for added heat.
Vegetarian Alternative:
Substitute kielbasa with smoked tofu or roasted mushrooms.
To Lighten It Up:
Opt for halfandhalf instead of heavy cream or omit the cream entirely.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Keep the soup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on low heat on the stove or in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring with each interval.
Freezing:
This soup freezes well, but omit the cream before freezing. Add cream after reheating.
Kielbasa Potato Soup for Comfort
This robust recipe for Kielbasa Potato Soup is the perfect dish for comfort! Featuring smoky kielbasa, soft potatoes, fresh herbs, and a creamy base, it’s a simple, onepot meal that is both tasty and easy to prepare. Ideal for a snug family dinner or a quick meal during the week!
Preparation Time: 40 minutes Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 Polish kielbasa sausages (340g), cut into slices
1 chopped onion
2 chopped celery stalks
1 large minced garlic clove
2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon of dried thyme)
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes (Yukon Gold
potatoes are recommended)
1 liter / 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth if preferred vegetarian)
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
125ml / ½ cup heavy cream (or a plantbased cream such as oat cream)
50g / ½ cup grated Gloucester or cheddar cheese
2 sliced green onions
Ingredient Suggestions:
If desired, you can replace kielbasa with turkey sausage or a plantbased option.
To manage salt levels, use lowsodium stock, especially if the kielbasa is quite salty.
Directions
Sauté the Kielbasa
In a large soup pot, warm the olive oil on medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until it turns golden brown and slightly crispy. Once done, take the kielbasa out and keep it on a plate.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, sauté the onion and celery in the remaining oil for 45 minutes until they soften. Then, add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another 30 seconds to enhance their flavor.
Simmer the Soup
Add the stock to the pot, followed by the cubed potatoes and a pinch of salt. Put half of the cooked kielbasa back into the mixture. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes become tender enough to pierce with a fork.
Blend and Finish
Remove half of the soup (leaving out the kielbasa) and blend it until smooth using either an immersion blender or a regular blender. Return the blended soup to the pot and mix in the cream, grated cheese, and the remaining kielbasa slices. Let it simmer on low heat until the cheese melts and the soup is warmed through.
Serve
Spoon the soup into bowls and top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of grated cheese. Enjoy it hot with crusty bread alongside.
Notes
The Right Potato is Important:
Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold to achieve a creamier texture and enhanced flavor. Steer clear of starchy varieties such as Russets, as they tend to break apart too easily.
Monitoring Salt Intake:
Be mindful of extra salt since both the kielbasa and stock can be salty. Taste frequently to find the ideal balance.
Create Creaminess by Blending:
Blending a portion of the soup provides a smooth, velvety consistency while keeping some chunks for added texture.
Substitutions Are Encouraged:
Cream:
For a dairyfree substitute, opt for oat or coconut cream.
Cheese:
Experiment with Parmesan, Gruyère, or any cheese that melts well for a distinct flavor twist.
Add Some Spice:
If you enjoy spicy soups, consider including a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to add heat. Suggestion for Serving: Serve the soup alongside some crusty bread, garlic toast, or a crisp green salad to make it a full meal.
Additional Toppings:
Add crispy bacon pieces, a spoonful of sour cream, or some fresh parsley to enhance the taste and look.
Written by: Chef Radya
Preparation Duration: 10 minutes
Cooking Duration: 30 minutes
Type: Soup, Comfort Food
Technique: Stovetop
Style: PolishInspired
