If you’re craving a soul-warming dish that combines smoky, savory flavors with creamy comfort, you’ll love this Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe. Imagine tender potatoes bathed in a luscious broth, perfectly complemented by slices of flavorful kielbasa and the subtle sweetness of leeks and garlic. This soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl, making it an ideal choice for cozy nights or anytime you want a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, working harmoniously to build layers of flavor, texture, and richness. From the hearty potatoes to the aromatic leeks and the smoky kielbasa, each component is indispensable in crafting this delicious bowl of comfort.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the kielbasa and leeks, adding a hint of fruity richness and helping layers of flavor develop.
- Kielbasa: The star of the soup, providing smoky and savory notes that make this recipe truly special.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and depth when cooking the leeks and garlic, acting as a flavor booster.
- Leeks: Their mild onion flavor adds a gentle sweetness and complexity to the soup’s base.
- Garlic: Offers a fragrant punch that harmonizes beautifully with the other savory ingredients.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup to a smooth and comforting consistency without overpowering flavor.
- Russet potatoes: The heart of the soup, providing a fluffy texture and earthy flavor that soaks up the broth.
- Chicken stock: Creates a flavorful liquid foundation, ensuring the soup is rich and savory.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess while keeping the soup light and drinkable.
- Heavy cream: Takes the soup to the next level of decadence with its smooth and velvety texture.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
- Fresh dill: Sprinkled on top as a bright and fresh garnish that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Kielbasa
Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the kielbasa slices and cook them until they’re nicely browned and their smoky aroma fills your kitchen. This step not only crisps the edges for texture but also infuses the oil with deep flavor that will carry through the soup.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Next, add the unsalted butter to the pot. Once melted, toss in the sliced leeks and garlic. Gently sauté until the leeks soften and become translucent, about five minutes. This process releases their mild sweetness and creates a fragrant base that marries beautifully with the smoky kielbasa.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the softened leeks and kielbasa mixture, stirring constantly for a couple of minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and begins thickening the soup, giving it that crave-worthy creamy texture we all love without relying on heavy starches.
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Stock
Now, stir in the cubed russet potatoes, ensuring they’re well coated with the roux. Pour in the chicken stock, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let this cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork — about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Milk and Cream
Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the whole milk and heavy cream, seasoning the soup with kosher salt. Let it warm through on low heat without boiling, so the cream stays velvety smooth. This final touch brings richness and balance without overwhelming the soup’s delicate flavors.
How to Serve Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your soup with fresh dill is like adding a burst of sunshine to each bowl. Its bright, herbal notes contrast the creamy soup beautifully and add a fresh visual pop. If you want, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dollop of sour cream can also add extra depth and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls to scoop up every last bit. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can also bring a light, refreshing balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or ladle it over toasted English muffins topped with melted cheese. For gatherings, portion the soup in mini mason jars or ramekins garnished with extra dill and a swirl of cream to impress your guests effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more.
Freezing
Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Spoon the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort meal.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick after cooling, add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?
Absolutely! While kielbasa offers a unique smoky flavor that defines this soup, you can substitute with other smoked sausages like Andouille or chorizo for a tasty variation.
Is it necessary to use leeks, or can I replace them?
If you don’t have leeks, yellow onions make a fine substitute. They’ll provide a slightly stronger onion flavor but still complement the other ingredients nicely.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the milk and heavy cream for coconut milk or your favorite plant-based alternatives. The soup’s texture will be slightly different, but it will remain delicious and creamy.
How thick should the soup be?
It should be creamy and somewhat thick but still spoonable and a bit brothy. The potatoes help give body, but the milk and cream keep it smooth and easy to enjoy.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It stores and reheats well, making it a fantastic choice for planning lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the ins and outs of this delightful Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe, I encourage you to dive in and create your own bowl of comfort. It’s straightforward, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo. Once you try this soup, it might just become one of your new favorites!
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Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe
This hearty Kielbasa Potato Soup combines the smoky, savory flavors of kielbasa with creamy potatoes and rich dairy for a comforting bowl perfect for chilly days. The soup features tender leeks, garlic, and fresh dill, melded together with chicken stock, milk, and cream to create a smooth and satisfying texture. It’s a delicious one-pot meal that balances protein, carbs, and creamy goodness.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Meat & Dairy
- 14 oz kielbasa, sliced into half-moons
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large leeks, white and light green parts thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (for serving)
Pantry Items
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Heat the fats: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the olive oil and unsalted butter until melted and shimmering to create the perfect base for sautéing.
- Cook the kielbasa: Add the sliced kielbasa to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crisp on the edges. Remove the kielbasa and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté leeks and garlic: In the same pot, add the sliced leeks and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until the leeks are softened and fragrant but not browned, stirring often to prevent sticking.
- Create the roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened leeks and garlic. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste; this will thicken the soup later.
- Add potatoes and stock: Pour in the chicken stock and add the cubed potatoes. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
- Blend (optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, skip this step for a more rustic soup.
- Add dairy and season: Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream until fully incorporated. Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot. Season with kosher salt and adjust seasoning if necessary. Heat through on low heat for 5 minutes, avoiding a boil to prevent curdling.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped dill for a bright, herbal finish that complements the smoky kielbasa.
Notes
- Using russet potatoes gives the soup a creamy, fluffy texture when cooked.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute kielbasa with smoked tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your kielbasa and broth.
- For a lower-fat version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or omit entirely and increase milk slightly.
- The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish-American
