Kielbasa Soup With Potatoes Recipe

Hearty Kielbasa Soup With Potatoes Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Bowl

Hearty kielbasa soup warms chilly evenings with its rich, comforting blend of smoky sausage and tender potatoes.

Polish cuisine brings unexpected depth to this simple yet satisfying meal.

Chunky vegetables and savory meat create a one-pot wonder that fills hungry bellies.

Each spoonful carries robust flavors dancing between smoky and earthy notes.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques.

Mediterranean and Eastern European influences shine through in this rustic, nourishing dish.

You’ll love how easily this soup becomes a quick weeknight solution that feels like a culinary hug.

Dive into this delicious adventure and let the aromas guide you to a memorable dining experience.

What’s Special About Kielbasa Soup With Potatoes

  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match your pantry or dietary needs, making this recipe incredibly adaptable for any kitchen.
  • Hearty Comfort in a Bowl: Packed with protein-rich kielbasa, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon, this soup delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.
  • Quick and Nourishing Meal: Designed for busy cooks, this one-pot wonder comes together rapidly, providing a warm, filling dinner solution that feels like a culinary hug.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich flavors and familiar ingredients, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table leaves happy and well-fed.

What’s Needed For Kielbasa Soup With Potatoes

For the Meats:
  • Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds smoky and rich depth to the soup.
  • Bacon: Provides a crispy texture and intense savory flavor base for the dish.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onions, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix that creates a robust and aromatic foundation for the soup.
  • Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that adds substance and helps thicken the soup.
  • Garlic: Brings a pungent and warm flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
For the Liquid and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth, Water: Provide the liquid base for the soup, creating a flavorful and comforting broth.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity undertone to the cooking process.
  • Dried Thyme, Bay Leaf: Herbaceous seasonings that contribute depth and complexity to the soup.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds a fresh, green note to the finished dish.

Simple Steps For Kielbasa Soup With Potatoes

Step 1: Prep The Meaty Base

Slice kielbasa and bacon into bite-sized chunks. This creates perfect flavor-packed bites in every spoonful.

Step 2: Chop Veggie Companions

Dice vegetables into uniform small cubes:
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Potatoes

Step 3: Fire Up The Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the surface starts to shimmer.

Step 4: Crisp The Bacon

Sauté bacon pieces until they transform into crispy golden treasures, releasing their delicious fat. Stir occasionally for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Brown The Sausage

Toss kielbasa into the pot and brown the pieces. Move them around to create a caramelized exterior, cooking for approximately 5 minutes.

Step 6: Introduce Vegetable Friends

Drop in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables soften and become translucent, roughly 4-5 minutes.

Step 7: Awaken The Garlic

Quickly stir in minced garlic, ensuring it doesn’t burn but releases its magical aroma.

Step 8: Build The Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth and water into the pot. Sprinkle in dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to create a flavor explosion.

Step 9: Welcome The Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the simmering liquid, making sure they’re fully submerged.

Step 10: Let The Magic Happen

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes. Wait until potatoes become tender and start to break down slightly.

Step 11: Final Touches

Remove and discard the bay leaf to prevent any bitter undertones.

Step 12: Garnish With Freshness

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of bright flavor.

Step 13: Serve And Savor

Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls and prepare to be transported by this comforting meal.

Tips For Tasty Kielbasa Soup With Potatoes

  • Slice with Precision: Cut kielbasa and bacon into uniform bite-sized pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and flavor in every spoonful.
  • Sauté for Depth: Brown bacon and kielbasa thoroughly to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that builds incredible depth of flavor for the soup.
  • Vegetable Harmony: Dice onions, carrots, and celery into small, consistent cubes to ensure even cooking and create a balanced texture throughout the dish.
  • Quick Garlic Trick: Add minced garlic at the right moment and stir rapidly to release aromatic oils without burning, preventing any bitter undertones.
  • Simmer for Perfection: Cook the soup at a gentle medium-low heat, allowing potatoes to become tender and slightly break down, which helps thicken the broth naturally.

Creative Twists On Kielbasa Soup With Potatoes

  • Hearty Vegetarian Swap: Replace kielbasa and bacon with plant-based sausage and smoky tempeh, maintaining the soup's rich flavor profile while creating a vegetarian-friendly version.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free chicken broth and substitute regular kielbasa with gluten-free sausage varieties, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the soup safely.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Remix: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content, creating a lighter yet equally satisfying soup for keto and low-carb dieters.
  • Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper to transform the soup into a zesty, southwestern-inspired dish with a bold kick of heat.

Sides That Pair With Kielbasa Soup With Potatoes

  • Elevate Soup Harmony: Perfect Pairings
  • Craft Crisp Riesling Pairing: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling with bright acidity that cuts through the soup's richness, balancing its hearty meatiness while complementing the smoky kielbasa notes.
  • Serve Rustic Sourdough Bread: Choose a crusty, tangy sourdough with robust texture to soak up the soup's flavorful broth, providing a delightful contrast to the soft potatoes and providing additional satisfying crunch.
  • Match Zesty Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to introduce fresh, peppery elements that cleanse the palate between spoonfuls of the rich, savory soup, creating a balanced dining experience.

Best Way To Store Kielbasa Soup With Potatoes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerated soup stays fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion. Label with date and contents. Frozen soup maintains quality for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing potatoes as they can become grainy.
  • Pour soup into a pot, add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing potential food safety issues.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel.

Questions On Kielbasa Soup With Potatoes Answered

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild, savory flavor from kielbasa and bacon, without significant heat or spiciness.

  • Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by browning meats first, then adding all ingredients and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

  • How nutritious is this soup?

This soup provides protein from kielbasa and bacon, complex carbohydrates from potatoes, and vegetables offering essential vitamins and minerals.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this soup?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly with straightforward steps and basic cooking techniques anyone can follow.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Kielbasa Soup With Potatoes Recipe

Kielbasa Soup With Potatoes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Polish kielbasa soup warms winter nights with robust sausage and tender potatoes. Comfort flows through each spoonful, inviting you to savor rich, homemade flavors crafted with simple, satisfying ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 lb kielbasa sausage
  • 0.5 lb bacon

Vegetables:

  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 2 garlic cloves

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Slice kielbasa and bacon into bite-sized pieces, creating uniform chunks for even cooking and flavor distribution.
  2. Dice onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes into consistent, small cubes to ensure uniform cooking and texture throughout the soup.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, allowing the oil to shimmer and become fragrant.
  4. Sauté bacon pieces until they turn crispy and release their savory fat, approximately 3-4 minutes, creating a rich flavor base.
  5. Add kielbasa to the pot and brown the sausage pieces, stirring occasionally to develop a deep, caramelized exterior, about 5 minutes.
  6. Incorporate chopped onions, carrots, and celery into the meat mixture, cooking until vegetables soften and become translucent, roughly 4-5 minutes.
  7. Mince garlic and add to the pot, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release its aromatic oils.
  8. Pour in chicken broth and water, then introduce dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to build a robust flavor profile.
  9. Add diced potatoes to the simmering liquid, ensuring they are fully submerged for even cooking.
  10. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes become tender and start to break down slightly.
  11. Remove bay leaf and discard before serving to prevent any bitter notes in the final dish.
  12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving, adding a bright, fresh element to the hearty soup.
  13. Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy the comforting, flavor-packed kielbasa potato soup.

Notes

  • Slice meats uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and flavor in every spoonful.
  • Dice vegetables into small, even cubes for balanced texture and quicker cooking times.
  • Create depth by browning meats before adding vegetables, which develops a richer, more complex taste profile.
  • Prevent garlic from burning by adding it last and stirring quickly during the sautéing process.
  • Remove bay leaf before serving to avoid any potential bitter undertones in the final soup.
  • Customize the soup’s consistency by slightly mashing some potatoes to create a thicker, creamier texture.
  • Transform this recipe into a low-sodium version by using reduced-sodium broth and limiting added salt.
  • Make it gluten-free by ensuring your chicken broth and sausage are certified gluten-free products.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star