Polish Sausage (Kielbasa) Soup Recipe
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Recipe Category: Pork
Keywords: Potato, Vegetable, Meat, Polish, European, Potluck, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 tbsp | Butter |
| 1 1/2 lb | Kielbasa (Polish sausage), sliced |
| 1 lb | Smoked kielbasa, sliced |
| 2 | Onions, chopped |
| 4 stalks | Celery, chopped |
| 2 cups | Cabbage, shredded |
| 1 cup | Carrots, sliced |
| 1 | Bay leaf |
| 1/2 tsp | Dried thyme |
| 2 tbsp | White vinegar |
| 3 cups | Beef broth |
| 2 cups | Water |
| 3 | Potatoes, peeled and cubed |
| To taste | Salt and pepper |
| Optional | Fresh dill, chopped |
Instructions
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Prepare Ingredients: Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Slice the kielbasa (both regular and smoked), chop the onions, celery, cabbage, and carrots. Peel and cube the potatoes. Chop the fresh dill if using.
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Sauté Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa (both types), chopped onions, and celery. Sauté until the sausage is lightly browned and the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
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Combine in Soup Pot: Transfer the sautéed mixture into a large soup pot. Add the shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, bay leaf, dried thyme, and white vinegar to the pot.
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Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
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Add Potatoes: After simmering for an hour, add the cubed potatoes to the soup pot. Continue cooking until the potatoes are cooked through and tender, about 20-30 minutes.
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Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh dill before serving. Serve hot, optionally with buttered rye bread for dipping.
Tips and Variations
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Adjusting Sausage Quantity: Depending on your preference, you can use anywhere from 1 to 3 pounds of sausage. This allows you to customize the meatiness and flavor intensity of the soup.
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Vegetable Options: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like green beans, peas, or bell peppers to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
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Storage and Reheating: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for several days and also freezes nicely. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain the soup’s consistency.
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Enhancing Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider using homemade beef broth or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce along with the vinegar.
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Polish Culinary Influence: This hearty soup reflects traditional Polish flavors, making it perfect for a cozy family meal or a potluck gathering where it’s sure to be a hit.
Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this Polish Sausage Soup, which combines the robustness of kielbasa with a medley of vegetables in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a satisfying bowl of soup!
