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This cozy Kielbasa Potato Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s made with hearty potatoes, savory sausage, and creamy goodness that warms you right up.
I love how quick this soup is to make, perfect for a chilly day when you want something tasty without much fuss. Plus, who can resist that wonderful smell filling the kitchen?
On a chilly evening, I like to serve it with some crusty bread for dipping. It makes the soup even more comforting, and I can’t resist a good bread-dunking session!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa: Kielbasa sausage gives this soup its unique flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter version, turkey kielbasa works well. You could also use smoked sausage or any other flavorful sausage if kielbasa isn’t available.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are great choices. They’re creamy when cooked. If you want to reduce carbs, swap for cauliflower or use sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness, but you can use half-and-half or even milk for a lighter soup. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk would lend a unique flavor while keeping it creamy.
Herbs and Spices: Dried thyme and paprika enhance the flavor. You can use fresh thyme for a brighter taste. If you prefer something spicier, a dash of cayenne pepper could be a fun addition!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Vegetables?
Sautéing your vegetables properly is the key to building flavor in this soup. Start by cooking the onions, carrots, and garlic in the pot where you’ve browned the kielbasa; this allows the cooking fats to pick up some of that flavor.
- Heat the pot over medium heat, add a little oil if needed, and toss in the onions first.
- Once the onions are translucent, add carrots and garlic. Cook these for a few minutes until softened and fragrant.
This step sets the foundation for a delicious, hearty soup, so don’t rush it!
Warm Up with Kielbasa Potato Soup
What You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 cup corn for added sweetness and texture
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup is pretty quick to whip up! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep (chopping veggies and slicing sausage), and then around 30 minutes for cooking. So, in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, warming bowl of soup ready to enjoy!
Instructions:
First things first! Grab a large pot or a Dutch oven and heat it over medium heat. Toss in those sliced kielbasa sausages and cook them until they’re nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This adds a wonderful flavor to your soup! Once they’re all golden and delicious, take them out and set them aside for now.
Now, in that same pot (don’t worry, all those tasty brown bits will flavor the soup!), add in your diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion turns translucent, which will take about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly, I promise!
Next up, throw in the diced potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle in the dried thyme and paprika. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper too! Bring the whole pot to a boil—it’ll start bubbling away quite happily.
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when you poke them with a fork. Just imagine that cozy smell wafting through your kitchen!
When the potatoes are ready, it’s time to add the kielbasa back into the pot along with the heavy cream. Give it a good stir to combine everything, and let it heat through for about another 5 minutes. If you want to add some sweetness and texture, now’s the time to toss in that corn!
Last but not least, take a moment to taste your creation and adjust any seasonings. If it needs a bit more salt or pepper, feel free to add it. When you’re ready, serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color. And voilà—your cozy Kielbasa Potato Soup is ready to enjoy! Perfect for those chilly evenings or whenever you need a comforting meal.
Can I Use Turkey Kielbasa Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Turkey kielbasa is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions. Just use the same amount (1 lb) and follow the recipe as usual. The flavor will still be delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version or even whole milk for a lower-fat option. If you want a creamier texture, you might mix in a couple of tablespoons of flour to thicken the soup as it simmers.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens too much upon cooling, you can add a bit of broth or water to reach your desired consistency when reheating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to throw in other veggies like celery, bell peppers, or even spinach. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them in when you sauté the onion and carrots for more flavor and nutrition!
