Hearty Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty kielbasa potato soup delivers comfort straight to your soul on chilly evenings.

Cold days demand warm, satisfying meals that wrap you in culinary love.

Savory sausage and creamy potatoes create a magical combination in this classic dish.

Rich flavors mingle effortlessly, promising a delightful dining experience.

Polish-inspired ingredients bring depth and character to every spoonful.

Sitting down to a steaming bowl that feels like a warm embrace.

You’ll want to grab a crusty bread and dive right into this incredible soup.

Why You’ll Love Kielbasa Potato Soup

• Savor Rich Flavor Combinations: This kielbasa potato soup blends smoky sausage with creamy, hearty potatoes creating a deeply satisfying taste profile that warms you from the inside out.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: The recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families wanting a delicious, comforting dinner without complicated preparation steps.
• Customize with Simple Ingredients: Easily adaptable soup allows you to swap vegetables or use different proteins, giving home cooks flexibility while maintaining the core delicious essence of the dish.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delightful, hearty meal with loved ones.

Ingredients Needed for Kielbasa Potato Soup

• Kielbasa: Polish sausage that adds smoky, hearty flavor to the soup; choose a high-quality smoked variety.
• Chicken Broth: Rich liquid base providing depth and savory notes; low-sodium options work well.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base with sweet and aromatic profile; fresh, crisp vegetables recommended.
• Potatoes: Creamy, starchy component that helps thicken the soup; waxy varieties like Yukon Gold hold shape best.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor; fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture; full-fat version recommended.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial sautéing; extra virgin provides better flavor.
• Thyme, Smoked Paprika: Herbs and spices that enhance overall soup complexity; dried versions work fine.
• Water: Helps adjust soup consistency.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for desired soup texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for brightness and color.

How to Prepare Kielbasa Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa Goodness

Grab a large pot and drizzle some olive oil inside. Warm it up over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Toss in your sliced kielbasa and let it dance around, creating beautiful golden-brown edges. This process takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Once they’re looking perfect, scoop out the kielbasa and set it aside – we’ll welcome it back later.

Step 2: Veggie Flavor Explosion

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

Let these vegetables mingle and soften, stirring occasionally. This takes around 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick minute, releasing its aromatic charm.

Step 3: Soup Foundation Building

• Chunky potato pieces
• Chicken broth
• Water
• Smoked paprika
• Fresh thyme leaves

Bring everything to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat. Let it simmer peacefully for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and dreamy.

Step 4: Creamy Transformation

Pour in heavy cream and return those delicious kielbasa pieces back to the party. Want an extra thick soup? Create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then swirl it into the soup. Let everything bubble gently for 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flavor Touchdown

Taste your creation. Sprinkle in salt and pepper until it sings with flavor. For a fancy finish, scatter some fresh parsley on top. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure comfort food joy!

Smart Cooking Tips for Kielbasa Potato Soup

• Boost Kielbasa Flavor: Sear the sausage in a hot pan to develop deep, caramelized notes that enhance the overall soup's richness.
• Vegetable Texture Secret: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent mouthfeel throughout the soup.
• Cream Incorporation Trick: Temper the heavy cream by adding a small amount of hot soup liquid before stirring it in to prevent curdling.
• Thickening Technique: Use cornstarch slurry sparingly to control soup consistency without making it too dense or gloopy.
• Low-Sodium Option: Replace regular chicken broth with low-sodium version and adjust salt manually for better control of sodium levels.

Store and Reheat Kielbasa Potato Soup Properly

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The creamy base and hearty ingredients maintain their delicious flavor when properly chilled.
• Freeze with Caution: Carefully place soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months, understanding that cream-based soups might slightly separate upon thawing.
• Reheat Gently: Warm soup slowly in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency if the soup seems too thick.
• Avoid Microwave Overheating: When using a microwave, heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent potential texture breakdown.

Best Pairings for Kielbasa Potato Soup

• Pair with Crusty Rye Bread: Slice up a hearty rye bread to soak up the creamy soup. Its tangy flavor complements the smoky kielbasa perfectly, adding a delightful crunch and texture to each spoonful.
• Match with Crisp Pilsner Beer: Grab a cold pilsner to cut through the richness of the soup. The light, hoppy beer refreshes the palate and balances the creamy, savory elements of the kielbasa potato soup.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Whip up a zesty coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing to contrast the soup's creaminess. The bright, acidic notes will cleanse your palate and provide a fresh crunch alongside the hearty soup.
• Complement with Pinot Noir: Select a medium-bodied Pinot Noir to enhance the smoky kielbasa flavors. Its subtle fruitiness and smooth texture create a perfect wine pairing that elevates the entire dining experience.

Easy Twists on Kielbasa Potato Soup

• Spicy Southwestern Soup: Swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder, add diced green chiles, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• German-Style Hearty Soup: Include sauerkraut and caraway seeds, replace chicken broth with beer for an authentic European flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Potato Comfort Bowl: Substitute kielbasa with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage, use vegetable broth, and add extra roasted vegetables like bell peppers for depth.
• Creamy Herb Garden Soup: Incorporate fresh rosemary and dill instead of thyme, blend in some chopped kale for extra nutrition and green color.

Questions About Kielbasa Potato Soup

• What makes kielbasa special in this soup?

Kielbasa adds a smoky, rich flavor and traditional Polish sausage character that elevates the soup from ordinary to extraordinary, providing depth and a hearty protein element.

• Can I make this soup lighter or healthier?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, use low-sodium chicken broth, and add more vegetables to increase nutritional value without compromising taste.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

The basic recipe isn’t naturally gluten-free due to potential ingredients like cornstarch. To make it gluten-free, use a cornstarch alternative like arrowroot powder or ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• How spicy is this soup with smoked paprika?

The smoked paprika adds warmth and mild smoky flavor without significant heat. It provides subtle complexity without making the soup spicy, making it suitable for most palates.

Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish-inspired Kielbasa Potato Soup invites comfort with hearty sausage and creamy potatoes dancing in a rich, flavorful broth. Warm spoons promise delicious satisfaction, drawing you into a bowl of pure, rustic happiness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) kielbasa, sliced into rounds

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear the kielbasa in a heated pot with olive oil until golden brown, creating a rich, caramelized exterior. Transfer the browned sausage to a side plate, preserving its intense flavor.
2. In the same pot, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and become translucent. Introduce minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to permeate the vegetables for a brief moment.
3. Pour chicken broth and water into the vegetable mixture. Add cubed potatoes, smoked paprika, and thyme, creating a robust foundation for the soup. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
4. Allow the potatoes to become tender and easily pierced with a fork, which typically takes 15-18 minutes. The vegetables will gradually release their natural starches, subtly thickening the broth.
5. Incorporate heavy cream into the simmering soup, creating a luxurious and velvety texture. Return the previously seared kielbasa to the pot, letting it reheat and infuse its smoky flavor throughout the soup.
6. If a more substantial consistency is desired, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water. Gently stir this into the soup and allow it to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until it reaches the preferred thickness.
7. Perform a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to enhance the soup’s overall flavor profile. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Enhance kielbasa flavor by slightly charring the sausage edges for a deeper, smoky profile that adds complexity to the soup.
• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for better texture, as they hold their shape and provide a creamy, smooth consistency without falling apart.
• Control soup thickness by gradually adding cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve desired creaminess.
• Customize the soup for dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or using turkey kielbasa for a leaner protein option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg