Kielbasa potato soup

 Kielbasa potato soup

Kielbasa Potato Soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy meals:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped (optional, for extra greens)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the kielbasa:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the kielbasa slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the aromatics:
   In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for 5 minutes or until softened, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring to avoid burning.
3. Cook the potatoes:
   Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Blend the base (optional):
   For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, remove 2 cups of the soup, blend, and return it to the pot.
5. Add the cream and seasonings:
   Stir in the heavy cream, milk, smoked paprika, thyme, and salt and pepper. If you’d like the soup thicker, mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, then stir it into the soup. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add the kielbasa and greens:
   Return the browned kielbasa to the pot and add the kale or spinach if using. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the greens are wilted.
7. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese or fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Tips:

• Customize: Add diced carrots or celery for extra veggies.
• Make it spicy: Use smoked or spicy kielbasa for added heat.
• Storage: This soup reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.

This Kielbasa Potato Soup is hearty, smoky, and packed with flavor—a satisfying meal for any day!