Kielbasa & Creamy Potato Bliss Soup

$You need 1 pound of kielbasa sausage. Slice it into bite-sized pieces. This sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor. It gives the soup its hearty base. I love using kielbasa because it cooks fast and tastes great. Gather these vegetables: - 4 medium potatoes, diced - 1 large onion, chopped - 2 carrots, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced You also need seasonings: - 1 teaspoon thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste The potatoes bring creaminess. The onion and garlic add depth. Carrots add a sweet touch. Thyme and paprika bring warmth and flavor. These ingredients mix well to create a comforting dish. For liquids, have 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. The broth forms the soup's base. It adds richness and a savory taste. The heavy cream makes it creamy and smooth. You can adjust the cream for your taste. This blend of ingredients creates a warm, filling meal. Each bite is a hug in a bowl! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 large chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them until the onion turns soft and clear, about 5 minutes. This step builds a solid flavor base for your soup. Next, toss in 1 pound of sliced kielbasa sausage. Cook it for around 5 to 7 minutes. You want the sausage to brown slightly. Browned kielbasa adds a nice depth. After that, stir in 2 diced carrots and 4 diced potatoes. Cook for another 3 minutes to soften the veggies. Now, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Add 1 teaspoon each of thyme and paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Check the potatoes; they should be soft. Use a potato masher to mash half of the potatoes in the pot. This gives the soup a creamy texture. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and heat for another 5 minutes. Adjust the seasonings if needed. Your soup is almost ready to serve! To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Thyme and parsley brighten the soup. For a richer taste, brown the kielbasa well. This adds depth and a nice texture. If you like creaminess, mash half the potatoes in the pot. This gives the soup a velvety feel. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a hint of zest. Heat your pot before adding oil. This helps the onion and garlic cook evenly. Stir often to prevent sticking. When adding the broth, ensure it covers the vegetables well. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat. Simmer gently for the best flavor. Taste the soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for balance. Serve the soup hot for comfort on cool days. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and freshness. Pair it with crusty bread for a full meal. You can also add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess. For a fun twist, serve it in bread bowls. This makes the meal even more special! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh potatoes and herbs to enhance the flavor of your soup. Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to achieve your desired consistency. Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the kielbasa and onions. Leftover Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently for a quick meal. {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients in Kielbasa Potato Soup. If you want a lighter soup, use turkey kielbasa instead of pork. This swap cuts fat but keeps flavor. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This will still give a creamy texture. For a dairy-free soup, use coconut milk. It adds a hint of sweetness and works well with the kielbasa. Feel free to boost the veggie count! Adding celery gives a nice crunch. You can toss in green beans or peas for color. Spinach or kale adds nutrition and a pop of green. Just add these veggies during the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps them bright and fresh. You can also include bell peppers for a sweet note. Diced zucchini or squash adds a soft texture. The more veggies, the more flavors and nutrients in your bowl! If you love heat, spice it up! Add crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Start with a small amount, then taste as you go. You can also use spicy sausage instead of regular kielbasa. Another great option is to stir in diced jalapeños. They give a fresh kick. For a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle peppers in adobo. This adds depth and warmth to the soup. Just remember, spice can build, so adjust to your taste! To keep your Kielbasa Potato Soup fresh, let it cool first. Pour the soup into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. You can store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a good option. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, take it out of the fridge. Heat it in a pot over medium heat. Stir it often to avoid sticking. If it seems thick, add a little bit of broth or water. You can also microwave it. Just cover it loosely and heat in short bursts. To freeze your soup, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags. Just flatten them for easy storage. Kielbasa Potato Soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavor and texture nice. Yes, you can. If you want a different taste, try smoked sausage or turkey sausage. Both options add unique flavors to the soup. You can also use spicy sausage for an added kick. Just remember that different sausages may change the soup's flavor. To make Kielbasa Potato Soup healthier, consider these tips: - Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. - Add more vegetables like spinach or kale for nutrition. - Choose leaner sausage options, such as turkey or chicken sausage. - Reduce the amount of salt and use herbs for flavor. These changes will help keep the creamy taste but lower the calories. This soup pairs well with several sides. Here are my favorites: - Crusty bread for dipping. - A fresh garden salad for crunch. - Grilled cheese for comfort. Try these options to complete your meal and enjoy every bite! This blog post covered making a delicious Kielbasa potato soup. We explored key ingredients like sausage, vegetables, and useful liquids. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through the cooking process. Tips for flavor and texture improvements were provided, along with ways to vary the recipe. Remember, you can customize this soup to fit your taste. Experiment with ingredients and enjoy the warm, satisfying meal. Now, gather your supplies and start cooking! You’ll love each spoonful of your homemade soup.$

Kielbasa & Creamy Potato Bliss Soup

A hearty and creamy soup featuring kielbasa, potatoes, and vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Polish

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 carrots diced
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add the sliced kielbasa to the pot, cooking until it begins to brown (around 5-7 minutes).
Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes, cooking for another 3 minutes to soften.
Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, paprika, and add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully mash about half of them in the pot with a potato masher for a creamier texture.
Stir in the heavy cream, allowing the soup to heat through for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasonings if necessary.
Serve hot and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

Adjust seasonings to taste and feel free to add other vegetables.

Keyword creamy, hearty, kielbasa, potato, soup