Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe

The Best Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Crafting a hearty potato kielbasa soup brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Memories of cozy evenings dance through this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Robust Polish sausage adds deep, smoky flavors that complement tender potato chunks perfectly.

Cold winter nights call for warm, filling meals that warm you from inside out.

Fragrant herbs and rich broth create a delightful harmony of textures and tastes.

Chopped vegetables add vibrant color and nutritious goodness to each spoonful.

You’ll want to ladle this incredible soup into bowls and savor every delicious bite.

Pro Tips for Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Brown sausage slices evenly for maximum flavor depth and caramelization before removing from pot.
  • Cut onions, carrots, and celery into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout soup.
  • Adjust chicken broth amount to make soup thicker or thinner based on personal preference, adding more liquid if needed.
  • Use heavy cream for richer soup or substitute with half-and-half or milk for lighter version without compromising taste.
  • Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add bright color and vibrant herbal notes to the finished dish.

Variations for Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty soup's smoky flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chicken broth and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's creamy texture and comforting essence.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of cream, and choose a dairy-free kielbasa to create a lactose-free soup option.

Serving Ideas for Potato Kielbasa Soup

Cozy Soup Night Companions:
  • Crusty Bread Sidekick: Slice a warm baguette or rustic sourdough to dunk into the creamy soup, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
  • Fresh Green Crunch: Pair with a simple mixed green salad topped with light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds refreshing contrast.
  • Cheese Lover's Addition: Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar or crumbled goat cheese on top for extra richness and tangy depth.
  • Herb Garden Finish: Chop fresh chives or additional parsley to scatter over each bowl, bringing bright color and zesty freshness to the hearty soup.

Storing Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups, as they may separate.
  • Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of broth if soup appears too thick.
  • Pour soup into a pot, add a little chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Heat until thoroughly hot and steaming.

FAQs

  • What makes kielbasa special in this soup?

Kielbasa adds a smoky, rich flavor and protein to the soup, transforming a simple potato soup into a hearty and satisfying meal with its distinctive Polish sausage taste.

  • Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with andouille, smoked sausage, or chorizo for similar depth of flavor, though each will slightly change the soup’s overall taste profile.

  • Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

The soup provides a good balance of protein from kielbasa, vegetables like carrots and celery for nutrients, and potatoes for complex carbohydrates, making it a relatively wholesome one-pot meal.

Potato Kielbasa Soup: Flavorful and Filling

  • Hearty One-Pot Wonder: Dive into a comforting meal that comes together in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Customize and Comfort: Easily adapt this soup to suit different tastes by swapping ingredients or adding extra vegetables, making it a versatile go-to recipe for any day.
  • Protein-Packed Satisfaction: Loaded with kielbasa sausage and creamy potatoes, this soup delivers a filling meal that keeps hunger at bay and provides delicious nutrition.
  • Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up a satisfying dinner in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a warm, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Potato Kielbasa Soup

Meat Base:
  • Kielbasa Sausage: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds smoky and rich protein to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: These aromatic vegetables create a delicious flavor foundation and provide depth to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that makes the soup creamy and substantial.
Liquid and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: A savory liquid base that provides depth and moisture to the soup.
  • Cream or Milk: Adds richness and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Smoked Paprika: A spice that enhances the smoky flavor profile of the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, herbal finish to the dish.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pot.

How to Make Potato Kielbasa Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Kielbasa Slices

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame.

Toss in kielbasa slices and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color.

Carefully remove the browned slices and set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

Using the same pot, add these vegetables:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery

Cook and stir until the vegetables become soft and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Introduce these ingredients to the pot:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Smoked paprika

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat.

Let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become perfectly tender.

Step 4: Enrich and Combine

Pour in cream or milk and return the previously cooked kielbasa slices to the pot.

Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

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Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe

Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

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

Description

Polish-inspired potato kielbasa soup delivers hearty comfort in a single pot. Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each warming spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth

Vegetables:

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

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream or milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sizzle kielbasa slices in a large pot at medium heat until golden brown and caramelized, then transfer to a side plate.
  2. In the same pot, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced celery until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add cubed potatoes, chicken broth, and smoked paprika to the vegetable mixture, stirring to combine and distribute seasonings evenly.
  4. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce temperature to low and allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes become fork-tender.
  5. Pour cream into the pot and gently fold in the previously browned kielbasa slices, letting the soup simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  7. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Swap kielbasa with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the smoky flavor profile intact.
  • Create a vegetarian version by replacing kielbasa with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage alternatives and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Enhance soup’s creaminess by blending a portion of potatoes before adding cream, which naturally thickens the soup without extra calories.
  • Prepare soup ahead of time and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, knowing flavors will develop and intensify overnight, making next-day servings even more delicious.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 375 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 13 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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