When it comes to comfort food that can satisfy both your cravings and your family’s appetite, kielbasa potato soup stands out as an ideal choice. With its rich, creamy broth and smoky, flavorful sausage, this soup combines the heartiness of potatoes with the savory taste of Polish kielbasa. Whether you’re seeking warmth on a cold winter night or a fulfilling meal for a busy weekday, this soup brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. In this guide, we’ll take you through the preparation, ingredients, and tips to make this soup your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love Kielbasa Potato Soup
Quick, Easy, and Delicious
One of the biggest advantages of kielbasa potato soup is how simple it is to prepare. This is a one-pot recipe that can be completed in just over 30 minutes, making it the perfect meal for a busy weeknight. Plus, with its creamy texture, smoky sausage, and tender potatoes, this dish is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Every spoonful delivers layers of flavor, and it’s hearty enough to stand alone as a meal.
Versatile and Customizable
This soup can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Want a spicier kick? Add red chili flakes. Prefer a creamier broth? Swap out the milk for half-and-half or even heavy cream. You can also experiment with different types of Polish sausage such as smoked pork kielbasa or turkey kielbasa, depending on your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Kielbasa Sausage
The star of the dish, kielbasa is a traditional Polish sausage that’s known for its smoky and savory flavor. You can use any type of kielbasa you prefer—whether it’s smoked pork, turkey, or beef. The key is to cut it into bite-sized pieces and fry them until they’re crispy on the outside, which adds both texture and flavor to the soup.
Potatoes
For this soup, you’ll want to use starchy potatoes that break down easily and help thicken the broth. Varieties like Maris Piper, Yukon Gold, or Russet are excellent choices. The potatoes provide a hearty base that soaks up the broth’s flavor, making each bite comforting and satisfying.
Cheddar Cheese
The cheddar cheese in this recipe melts into the soup, giving it a creamy, cheesy richness. We recommend grating your own cheddar to avoid the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheese, which can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly. Sharp cheddar works best for a bold flavor, but you can experiment with milder varieties if you prefer.
Vegetables: Onion, Carrot, and Celery
The trio of onion, carrot, and celery forms the aromatic base of the soup, offering a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the sausage and cheese. These vegetables should be finely diced to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.
Garlic
Adding garlic brings a sharp, aromatic depth to the soup. Fresh garlic is always recommended for the best flavor, though you can use pre-minced garlic in a pinch. Four cloves are just the right amount to elevate the soup without overpowering the other flavors.
Chicken Stock
For the broth, we use chicken stock, which complements the flavors of the sausage and potatoes. However, vegetable stock can also be substituted for a vegetarian option (if using vegetarian kielbasa). The stock adds a savory backbone to the soup, making it rich and flavorful.
Milk or Cream
We recommend using full-fat milk for a creamy consistency without making the soup too heavy. If you prefer a richer, more indulgent version, consider using single cream or half-and-half. These will create a silkier broth that enhances the creaminess of the melted cheese.
Optional: Red Chili Flakes
If you enjoy a little heat, a small pinch of red chili flakes can add a nice kick to the soup. This is entirely optional, but it brings a pleasant contrast to the richness of the soup, especially if you like a little spice.
Fresh Parsley
A handful of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the soup, brightening the flavors and providing a subtle herbal note. You can garnish the soup with extra parsley before serving to elevate the presentation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Kielbasa Potato Soup
1. Fry the Kielbasa
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the kielbasa sausage and fry for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and crispy. Once done, remove the kielbasa with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Don’t discard the oil, as it’s infused with the flavors of the sausage, which will enhance the vegetables.
2. Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened. The residual oil from the sausage adds a depth of flavor to the vegetables. Once the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes (if using), cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Potatoes and Chicken Stock
Next, add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot. Pour in 1.25 liters (5 cups) of chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes with the lid on, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The starch from the potatoes will start to thicken the broth, making it hearty and rich.
4. Temper the Milk
While the potatoes are simmering, take a ladle of the hot soup and mix it with the milk in a separate bowl or measuring jug. This step tempers the milk, ensuring it doesn’t curdle when added to the hot soup. Pour the tempered milk back into the pot and stir to combine.
5. Add the Cheese and Kielbasa
Return the cooked kielbasa sausage to the pot, along with the grated cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the broth becomes creamy and cheesy. Let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Finish with Parsley and Seasoning
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. At this point, you can also mash some of the potatoes with the back of a spoon or a potato masher if you prefer a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This kielbasa potato soup is perfect on its own, but if you’d like to serve it with something, consider pairing it with crusty bread or a simple side salad. The bread can be used to soak up the creamy broth, making every bite even more satisfying.
