Enjoy the warm taste of Kielbasa and Potato Soup. It’s a dish that mixes smoky Polish sausage with soft potatoes in a creamy broth. This recipe brings Eastern European flavors to your table, perfect for cold days.
This soup is full of bold tastes and hearty ingredients. It’s great for a family dinner or a get-together with friends. It’s quick to make, ready in 30 minutes, and serves 4 people. It’s a perfect choice for a busy weeknight.
The secret to this soup’s flavor is its mix of ingredients. Smoky Polish kielbasa, tender potatoes, and a rich broth made from beef and chicken stocks blend beautifully. Adding cream of chicken soup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard makes it even more delicious. It’s a comforting and satisfying soup to enjoy.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Traditional Polish Sausage Soup
Polish sausage soup, also known as “kielbasa and potato soup,” comes from Eastern Europe’s rich food traditions. It’s a favorite during cold winter months. The dish is loved for its simple yet flavorful recipe.
The smoky polish sausage pairs well with creamy potatoes and savory broth. This makes the soup a true winter warmer.
History of Eastern European Comfort Food
The roots of traditional recipes like this winter warmer go back to medieval times. Trade routes brought in spices and new cooking methods. Polish cuisine mixed Slavic traditions with other cultures’ flavors.
This created a unique and lively food heritage.
Why This Recipe Works
This polish sausage soup recipe is a classic comfort food. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. The ingredients work well together, making it perfect for families.
The soup is great for a main dish or a side. It’s perfect for warming up on a cold day.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
To make a tasty smoked sausage stew or savory broths, you need some key ingredients and tools. The heart of this recipe is the classic Polish kielbasa sausage. It gives a strong, smoky taste. You’ll also need potatoes, onions, celery, and beef or chicken broth to make the soup’s base.
You’ll need a big pot or Dutch oven to simmer the soup. A sharp knife is needed for chopping the veggies and sausage. Basic measuring tools help get the flavors just right. You can also add carrots, garlic, and fresh herbs to make it even better.
| Ingredients | Equipment |
|---|---|
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With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a delicious smoked sausage stew or savory broth-based soup.
Preparation Time and Servings
This rustic dishes and comfort food recipe for Kielbasa and Potato Soup is quick and easy. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It makes 6 to 8 servings, perfect for sharing with family and friends or for a big household.
Time Breakdown
The prep time is about 30 minutes. 10 minutes are for the initial prep, and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll brown the bacon and kielbasa, sauté veggies, and simmer the soup.
Serving Size and Scaling Tips
- The recipe makes 6 to 8 servings. Each serving has 325 calories, 18g of protein, 27g of fat, and 36g of carbs.
- To serve more, just double or triple the ingredients. Use a bigger pot or Dutch oven for more volume.
- For smaller groups, halve the recipe. It’s great for 3 to 4 people, perfect for intimate dinners.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chopped Bacon | 4 slices |
| Chopped Kielbasa | 7 oz |
| Thinly Sliced Carrots | 1/2 cup |
| Thinly Sliced Celery Stalk | 1 stalk |
| Chopped Shallot | 1 |
| Minced Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Chicken Broth | 2 1/2 cups |
| Milk (Unsweetened Almond Milk or 2% Cow’s Milk) | 1 cup |
| Diced Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes | 1 1/2 cups |
| Frozen Sweet Corn | 1 cup |
| Gluten-Free Flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Total Calories per Serving | 325 kcal |
Selecting the Perfect Kielbasa
When making a tasty polish sausage soup or smoked sausage stew, the kielbasa sausage is crucial. The right kielbasa can really enhance your dish’s flavor.
Choose a high-quality, traditional Polish kielbasa for the best taste. These sausages are seasoned with garlic, marjoram, and spices. They add a smoky flavor that goes well with the creamy potatoes. You can also try turkey or veal kielbasa for a non-pork option.
Make sure to cut the kielbasa into 1/2 inch pieces before adding it to the soup. This helps the sausage’s flavor blend well with the other ingredients. The smoky taste of the kielbasa is key to the classic flavor of this Polish sausage soup.
The quality and how you prepare the kielbasa can greatly affect your polish sausage soup or smoked sausage stew. Take your time to pick the perfect kielbasa. Your dish will be a treat for the senses.
Best Potatoes for Kielbasa and Potato Soup
Choosing the right potato is key for a delicious potato soup with kielbasa. Starchy potatoes are the best for this hearty dish. They make the soup creamy and smooth.
Starchy vs. Waxy Potatoes
Starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold, Maris Piper (in the UK), and Russet (in the US) cook down well. This makes the soup thick and creamy, perfect with kielbasa. Waxy potatoes, like Red Bliss or Fingerling, stay firm and make a chunkier soup.
Recommended Potato Varieties
- Yukon Gold: A versatile potato with a buttery taste and medium starch. It’s great for a creamy soup base.
- Russet: Known as Idaho or baking potatoes, they’re high in starch. They thicken soups and stews well, making them velvety.
- Maris Piper: A British favorite with a fluffy texture. It’s perfect for hearty potato soup recipes.
When cutting potatoes for your kielbasa and potato soup, make sure they’re even. This ensures even cooking and a balanced flavor in every spoonful.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this traditional recipes of comfort food is easy and fun. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Start by browning the kielbasa sausage in a big pot over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s brown.
- If you’re using bacon, fry it in the same pot until it’s crispy. Then, take out the bacon and set it aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the pot. Cook the onions for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until they’re soft and smell good.
- Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Pour in the chicken broth and milk, and add the potatoes. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
- In a small bowl, mix flour and milk to make a creamy thickener. Slowly add this to the soup, stirring constantly, to get the right consistency.
- Stir in the corn, thyme, parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes. This lets the flavors mix well and the soup to thicken.
- Finally, add the heavy cream and the cooked bacon pieces (if using).
This whole process takes about 20-25 minutes. You’ll end up with a delicious and comforting traditional recipes of comfort food that everyone will love.
Creating the Perfect Soup Base
Making a great savory broths and eastern european cuisine dish starts with a solid base. For this Kielbasa and Potato Soup, mix beef and chicken broths. This mix gives a rich, layered taste that goes well with the sausage and potatoes.
Broth Selection and Preparation
Begin by heating 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of beef broth in a big pot. Adding a can of cream of chicken soup makes the soup creamy. This ingredient also makes the broth smooth.
Seasoning Guidelines
Seasoning is key, but you need to be careful. The kielbasa and cheese add salt, so don’t overdo it. Use a lot of freshly ground black pepper and Eastern European-inspired spices like thyme or dill. These spices give the soup a real taste of Eastern Europe.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Broth | 2 cups |
| Beef Broth | 1 cup |
| Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 can |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
| Homemade Seasoned Salt | to taste |
| Fresh Thyme or Dill (optional) | to taste |
Adding Vegetables and Aromatics
When making a potato soup, add lots of tasty vegetables and aromatics. These ingredients make the soup taste better and add a cozy feel to your winter warmers.
Begin by cooking diced onions, carrots, and celery with your sausage. The carrots add sweetness, while the celery and onions bring a rich aroma. For more flavor, add minced garlic to the mix.
Also, add sweet corn kernels to the soup. They bring a sweet taste and soft texture that contrasts well with the potatoes. Top your hearty potato soup with green onions for a fresh, zesty touch.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions, diced | 1 cup |
| Carrots, diced | 1 cup |
| Celery, diced | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Sweet corn kernels | 1 cup |
| Green onions, sliced | 1/4 cup |
Adding these fresh, aromatic ingredients to your hearty potato soup makes it look great and taste amazing. It’s perfect for winter warmers.
Mastering the Creamy Texture
Getting the perfect creamy texture is essential for a comfort food classic like kielbasa and potato soup. Blend half of the soup and add it back to the pot for a velvety base. For an extra-rich taste, add heavy cream or half-and-half.
Thickening Techniques
To make the soup creamier, use a flour and milk mixture. Mix equal parts flour and milk, then add it to the soup slowly. This method creates a smooth, velvety texture.
Cream Options
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds a luxurious texture to the soup.
- Half-and-Half: Half-and-half offers a rich, creamy flavor without being too heavy.
- Plant-Based Alternatives: Oat cream or other plant-based creams are great for a dairy-free version.
For a cheesy twist, add grated cheddar or Gloucester cheese towards the end. Let it melt into the soup for enhanced flavor and texture.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 512 |
| Fat | 29g |
| Carbs | 46g |
| Protein | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g (71% of Daily Value) |
| Cholesterol | 72mg |
| Sodium | 2710mg (118% of Daily Value) |
| Fiber | 5g (16% of Daily Value) |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Vitamin C | 31mg (35% of Daily Value) |
| Calcium | 105mg (8% of Daily Value) |
| Iron | 3mg (17% of Daily Value) |
| Potassium | 1064mg (23% of Daily Value) |
Storage and Reheating Tips
Enjoy the delicious flavors of this traditional Kielbasa and Potato Soup even after the initial meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will get even better over time, making it a perfect winter warmer.
To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often. This prevents the cream from separating or getting grainy. Unfortunately, this soup doesn’t freeze well because of its creamy texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or as leftovers within a few days.
With these simple tips, you can enjoy your Kielbasa and Potato Soup for longer. Savor every spoonful of the authentic Polish sausage and potato mix. It’s a true delight.