Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe

The Cozy Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe: A Heartwarming Classic

Hearty soups warm the soul on chilly evenings, and this potato kielbasa soup recipe brings comfort straight to your table.

Rich, smoky kielbasa adds incredible depth to each spoonful of creamy goodness.

Tender potatoes melt into a velvety broth that promises pure satisfaction.

Chopped vegetables dance alongside sausage pieces, creating layers of rustic flavor.

Each ingredient tells a story of wholesome, simple cooking that feels like a warm embrace.

This soup transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a ladle and savor every comforting bite of this delicious Polish-inspired classic.

A Hearty Bowl: Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Whip Up Comfort: A hearty soup that wraps you in warmth with its rich, satisfying blend of kielbasa and tender potatoes.
  • Simplify Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to personalize the soup, making it a versatile meal that adapts to your taste and pantry.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Comes together in under an hour, delivering a delicious, filling meal that saves time without compromising on flavor.

Everything for Potato Kielbasa Soup Prep

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that provide a creamy texture and filling base for the soup.
  • Kielbasa: Flavorful Polish sausage that adds a rich, smoky taste to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that forms the foundational flavor of the soup.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: A classic flavor-building combination that creates a deep and complex taste profile for the soup.
Creamy and Seasoning Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Bay Leaf, Salt, Pepper: Ingredients that add richness, depth, and balanced seasoning to the final dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that provides a pop of color and herbal freshness.

Potato Kielbasa Soup Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

Heat a large pot and melt butter over medium warmth.

Toss in chopped vegetables and let them dance and soften:
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become tender and release their delightful aromas.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add sliced kielbasa to the pot and let it sizzle.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning and develop rich flavors.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Pour in chicken broth and add these ingredients:
  • Potatoes
  • Bay leaf
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat.

Let the soup simmer gently until potatoes become fork-tender, which takes about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Enrich with Cream

Stir in heavy cream and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

This will create a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaf.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for Potato Kielbasa Soup Flavor

  • Brown kielbasa before adding to create a rich, caramelized taste that enhances the soup's overall complexity.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Add heavy cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky consistency.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that still delivers creamy satisfaction.
  • Prepare the soup a day in advance, as flavors will intensify and develop more depth when allowed to rest overnight.

New Ways to Enjoy Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
  • Lean Protein Option: Substitute kielbasa with chicken sausage or turkey kielbasa to reduce fat content while maintaining similar flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk or almond cream instead of heavy cream, and replace butter with olive oil for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets and use turnips as a lower-carbohydrate base, maintaining the soup's creamy texture and hearty feel.

How to Serve Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Comfort Bowl Companion: Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread for soaking up the rich, creamy broth and catching every delicious bite.
  • Cozy Side Kick: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add fresh contrast.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy bacon bits or extra sliced kielbasa for meat lovers wanting an additional protein punch and extra crunch.
  • Winter Warm-Up: Enjoy this soup near a fireplace or with a soft blanket for the ultimate cold-weather comfort meal that feels like a warm hug.

Potato Kielbasa Soup Storage Pointers

  • Seal cooled soup in airtight containers and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is clean and completely sealed to maintain freshness.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze flat for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.
  • Pour soup into saucepan, heat over medium-low temperature. Stir occasionally to prevent bottom scorching. Add extra broth if needed to restore original consistency.

FAQs

  • Is kielbasa the same as regular sausage?

No, kielbasa is a specific type of Polish smoked sausage with a distinct smoky flavor and coarser texture compared to regular sausages. It adds a rich, robust taste to the soup.

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop. The flavors actually develop and become more intense when the soup sits for a few hours.

  • What can I do if the soup is too thick?

If the soup becomes too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Stir well and heat through.

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Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe

Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Polish Potato Kielbasa Soup delivers comfort in a bowl with rich, smoky flavors that dance across your palate. Simmering kielbasa, potatoes, and creamy broth create a robust meal perfect for warming winter evenings and satisfying hungry souls.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 14 ounces (396 grams) kielbasa sausage

Vegetables:

  • 4 large potatoes
  • 2 large carrots
  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 stalks celery

Base Liquid and Seasonings:

  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, gently sweating onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  2. Introduce sliced kielbasa to the pot, allowing the sausage to brown and release its savory flavors, stirring periodically for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, then add diced potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Elevate heat to create a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, covering and cooking for 15-20 minutes until potatoes reach a tender consistency.
  4. Stream heavy cream into the soup, stirring carefully to integrate and create a luxurious texture. Continue simmering for an additional 4-5 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken the broth.
  5. Carefully remove the bay leaf, taste and fine-tune seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Brown kielbasa slightly before adding broth to enhance its smoky flavor and develop deeper caramelization.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
  • For added nutrition, consider including diced kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of simmering to boost vegetable content without compromising the soup’s rich flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 263 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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