Kielbasa potato soup

1. Prepare the Ingredients

1. Slice Kielbasa: Cut the kielbasa into rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Dice Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.

2. Cook the Kielbasa

3. Brown the Kielbasa: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

4. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add Carrots and Celery: Stir in the diced carrots and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

4. Cook the Soup

6. Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
7. Season the Soup: Add the dried thyme and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

5. Finish the Soup

9. Blend Part of the Soup: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer 2-3 cups of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
10. Add Kielbasa and Cream: Return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.

6. Serve

11. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
12. Serve Hot: Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Consistent Size: Dice the potatoes and vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Blend Carefully: When blending part of the soup, be careful to avoid splatters. If using a blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. The kielbasa can be salty, so be cautious with additional salt.

Variations

Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Soup

• Cheese Addition: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese along with the cream for a cheesy version of this soup.

Spicy Kielbasa Potato Soup

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables for a spicy kick.

Vegetable-Rich Soup

• More Vegetables: Add more vegetables such as corn, green beans, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and add variety to the soup.

Low-Carb Option

• Replace Potatoes: Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb version of this soup.

Conclusion

Kielbasa Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the smoky flavor of kielbasa with creamy potatoes and vegetables. This detailed guide helps you prepare a delicious soup that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in. Enjoy the rich flavors and warmth of this satisfying soup!