Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe

Quick & Hearty Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Hearty potato kielbasa soup has been my comfort companion during chilly winter evenings.

Savory sausage chunks and tender potato pieces create a robust flavor profile that warms you instantly.

Kitchen experiments often lead to delightful surprises like this rustic recipe.

Rich broth infused with smoky kielbasa promises a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Seasonal vegetables add fresh crunch and nutritional depth to each spoonful.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver maximum flavor without complicated cooking techniques.

Let’s explore how a few humble components can become a soul-nourishing bowl of deliciousness.

Why People Enjoy Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe So Much

  • Quick Comfort Cooking: Easily whip up this hearty soup in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the rich, savory flavors of kielbasa and tender potatoes, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this simple recipe that uses a single pot, reducing dish washing and saving precious time after a long day of work or cooking.
  • Versatile Seasonal Delight: Enjoy this soup year-round as a cozy winter warmer or a lighter summer meal by adjusting cream and serving temperature, making it a flexible recipe for any season.

Everything In Potato Kielbasa Soup

Main Protein and Starch:
  • Kielbasa Sausage: Hearty Polish sausage that adds smoky flavor and protein to the soup. Choose a high-quality smoked variety for best taste.
  • Potatoes: Starchy base that provides thickness and substance to the soup. Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold work best for maintaining shape.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create a deep, savory base. Fresh garlic cloves offer more intense flavor than pre-minced.
  • Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add sweetness and texture. Organic vegetables provide more robust flavor.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Primary liquid that creates the soup's foundation. Low-sodium broth allows better control of salt levels.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creamy texture to the soup. Full-fat cream provides the best smooth consistency.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and developing initial flavors. Extra virgin olive oil offers a more complex taste.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's overall flavor profile.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbal note. Chop just before serving for maximum flavor.

Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Step 1: Brown Kielbasa

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sizzle the kielbasa slices until they develop a golden-brown color and release delicious, smoky flavors.

Transfer the browned sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced carrots
  • Sliced celery

Cook the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet and savory aromas.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Drop in the diced potatoes and pour chicken broth into the pot.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender and start breaking down slightly.

Step 4: Incorporate Kielbasa and Cream

Slide the previously browned kielbasa back into the pot.

Pour in heavy cream and stir gently.

Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, creamy texture.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, hearty soup.

Potato Kielbasa Soup The Pro’s Way

  • Brown kielbasa before sautéing vegetables to develop rich, caramelized notes that enhance the overall soup's taste profile.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces 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 milk for a lighter version, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking to increase the soup's nutritional value without compromising the original flavor.

Tips to Save Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing portions with cream for best texture.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency if needed.
  • Heat in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated. Check temperature before serving to ensure even warming.

Side Matches for Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Savor Polish Pilsner Pairing: Crisp Polish pilsner cuts through the soup's richness, complementing the kielbasa's smoky flavor and refreshing the palate with its clean, hoppy profile.
  • Crusty Sourdough Sidekick: Hearty sourdough bread provides a perfect textural contrast, its tangy crust ideal for dipping and soaking up the creamy soup base.
  • Zippy Pickle Accent: Serve with cold, crunchy dill pickles to balance the soup's creaminess and add a bright, acidic counterpoint to the rich kielbasa and potato blend.
  • Bright Herbal Salad Match: Toss a light mixed green salad with fresh dill and lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's heaviness and introduce a fresh, herbal element.

Potato Kielbasa Soup Swaps

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to create a lactose-free soup option.
  • Low-Carb Modification: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's creamy texture and comforting essence.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during sautéing to introduce a warming heat that complements the smoky kielbasa flavor.

FAQs

  • What makes kielbasa unique in this soup?

Kielbasa is a Polish smoked sausage that adds rich, smoky flavor and protein to the soup, creating a heartier and more robust dish compared to traditional potato soup.

  • Can I use different types of potatoes?

Definitely! Russet potatoes work best for their starchy texture, but you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

  • Is this soup considered a complete meal?

Yes, this soup is quite filling. With protein from kielbasa, vegetables, and cream, it provides a balanced one-pot meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

  • How can I make the soup healthier?

To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use low-sodium chicken broth, and add extra vegetables like spinach or kale for more nutrients.

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Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe

Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

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

Description

Hearty potato kielbasa soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending Polish sausage with creamy potatoes and rich, savory broth. Warm spices and tender vegetables create a satisfying meal that brings family and friends together around the table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (453 grams) kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth

Vegetables:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Other Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sizzle kielbasa in a heated pot with olive oil until golden and crisp, developing a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer the browned sausage to a separate plate.
  2. In the same pot, gently sweat onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
  3. Introduce diced potatoes to the vegetable medley, then cascade chicken broth over the ingredients. Elevate the heat to achieve a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  4. Allow the potatoes to tenderize and absorb the savory broth for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring they reach a soft yet structured consistency.
  5. Reintegrate the previously seared kielbasa into the simmering liquid, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
  6. Drizzle heavy cream into the soup, stirring gently to create a luxurious, velvety texture. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes to meld the ingredients.
  7. Fine-tune the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, balancing the soup’s rich profile.
  8. Conclude by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a vibrant, herbaceous finish to the hearty soup.

Notes

  • Slice kielbasa uniformly to ensure even browning and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamy, thick soup base that holds together well.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely during cooking.
  • Consider swapping heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version without compromising rich flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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