KIELBASA SOUP WITH POTATOES

Overview:

This hearty Kielbasa and Potato Soup is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of kielbasa sausage, tender potatoes, aromatic garlic, onions, celery, and carrots. It’s a perfect choice for a warm and satisfying meal on a chilly day.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage to the pot and cook until it’s slightly browned and has crispy edges. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
3. In the same pot, add the minced garlic, chopped onions, celery, and diced carrots. Sauté these vegetables until they become tender and the onions turn translucent, usually around 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
6. Once the potatoes are tender, return the cooked kielbasa sausage to the pot. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the sausage through.
7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard it.
9. Ladle the delicious Kielbasa and Potato Soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes:

• You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables like green beans or peas.
• Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by choosing a kielbasa sausage with your preferred heat level.
• This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top. Enjoy!