This cozy Kielbasa Potato Soup is loaded with tender potatoes, savory kielbasa sausage, and creamy goodness. It’s the perfect dish for chilly days or a quick family dinner!
I love how this soup warms me right up! Plus, it’s so easy to make that I can whip it up even on my busiest days. Just chop, cook, and enjoy! 🥣✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa: This sausage gives the soup its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey kielbasa works great too. For a vegetarian twist, you could use smoked tofu or tempeh for a similar taste.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup due to their starchiness, which makes the soup creamy. If you prefer waxy potatoes, like red or Yukon gold, they will hold their shape better but might not give the same creamy texture. If you’re low-carb, try cauliflower instead!
Broth: Chicken broth is tasty, but you can swap in vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Homemade broth will enhance the flavor even more, if you have it on hand!
Milk/Cream: I like using half-and-half for that perfect creamy consistency. If you want a lighter option, you can use almond milk or oat milk. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk adds a nice sweetness.
How Can You Get the Best Flavor from Your Ingredients?
To really boost the flavors in your Kielbasa Potato Soup, focus on your cooking techniques. Start by browning the kielbasa well, as that creates a flavor base.
- When you sauté the onions and carrots, let them caramelize a bit. This brings out their natural sweetness.
- Don’t rush adding the garlic—you want it just fragrant, not burnt. Burnt garlic has a bitter taste.
- Always season as you go! A little salt during each stage helps build layers of flavor.
Follow these tips and watch your soup transform into a hearty meal! Enjoy! 🥔🍲
How to Make Kielbasa Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra fresh parsley for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped celery for added texture
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious bowl of Kielbasa Potato Soup in about 45 minutes from start to finish—a perfect time for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Kielbasa:
Start by melting the butter (or oil) in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until it’s browned on both sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Once browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and optional celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they soften. This step creates a nice flavor base for your soup!
3. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, and dried parsley to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.
5. Add Broth and Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which will take about 15-20 minutes.
6. Return the Kielbasa:
After the potatoes have cooked, return the browned kielbasa to the pot. This will warm the sausage back up and infuse the soup with its amazing flavor.
7. Stir in Milk or Cream:
Next, stir in the milk or heavy cream and heat the soup through, but don’t let it boil! This will make your soup nice and creamy.
8. Season to Taste:
Finally, add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Kielbasa Potato Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra grind of black pepper if you like. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad!
Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of soup! 🥣✨
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While kielbasa adds a distinctive flavor, you can substitute it with any smoked sausage, such as andouille or Polish sausage, or even turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the kielbasa with smoked tofu or tempeh for a meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip any added meat for a delicious vegetarian soup.
How Do I Store Leftover Kielbasa Potato Soup?
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Freeze Kielbasa Potato Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove. Note that the texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
