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Hearty Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Soup (Comfort Food Classic)

Close-up of a hearty bowl of sauerkraut soup featuring chunks of potato, sliced smoked sausage, and fresh parsley garnish.
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Make this hearty Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Soup for a comforting, flavorful meal. This easy one-pot soup combines tangy sauerkraut, savory sausage, and tender potatoes, perfect for a chilly evening.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 quart (4 cups) chicken broth
  • 1 (32 ounce) jar sauerkraut, drained (reserve some liquid)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creamy version)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, drained sauerkraut, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot. If you want a creamy sauerkraut soup, stir in the heavy cream now. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
  6. Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a tangier soup, add a splash of the reserved sauerkraut liquid.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a budget friendly soup, use smoked ham hock instead of kielbasa and simmer longer for flavor.
  • If you prefer a traditional Polish Kapusniak flavor, skip the heavy cream and add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic.
  • This soup freezes well; omit the cream if planning to freeze, and add it back when reheating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/sauerkraut-soup-recipe-easy-one-pot-kielbasa/