Cozy Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Soup Recipe: A Warming Treat

Steaming bowls of comfort emerge from a rich kielbasa and sauerkraut soup that warms every corner of your kitchen.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty Polish-inspired dish.

Cold winter nights call for something substantial and deeply satisfying.

Smoky kielbasa sausage brings robust flavor to this traditional soup, creating layers of deliciousness.

Tender vegetables and tangy sauerkraut mingle with savory broth, promising a meal that fills both stomach and soul.

Each spoonful connects you to rustic culinary traditions that have nourished families for decades.

Let this recipe become your new cold-weather companion and comfort food champion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Soup

• Kielbasa: Smoky Polish sausage that adds rich, hearty flavor and meaty texture to the soup, choose high-quality, well-seasoned varieties for maximum taste.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base trio that builds deep, layered flavor profile, select fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors for best results.
• Garlic: Powerful aromatic that intensifies overall soup complexity, choose fresh cloves with firm, unblemished skin.

• Smoked Paprika: Adds warm, smoky depth complementing kielbasa's flavor, opt for high-quality Hungarian or Spanish varieties.
• Dried Thyme: Earthy herb that enhances soup's rustic character, ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
• Caraway Seeds: Traditional Eastern European spice providing subtle, nutty undertones, use sparingly for balanced flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Foundational liquid creating soup's core flavor, select low-sodium versions for better seasoning control.
• Water: Helps adjust soup's consistency and dilute intense flavors.

• Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage adding tangy, complex flavor and traditional Eastern European touch, choose high-quality, well-drained varieties.
• Potatoes: Provides hearty texture and thickens soup naturally, select waxy potatoes that hold shape during cooking.

• Bay Leaf: Subtle herbal note that enhances overall soup complexity, remove before serving.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish adding color and light herbal finish.

Tools to Make This Bold Soup Combo

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the entire soup, with plenty of space for ingredients.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing browned kielbasa without excess oil.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and sausage.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and kielbasa slicing.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of spices.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Ladle: Helps serve soup evenly into bowls.

How to Cook Kielbasa with Tangy Sauerkraut

• Brown the Sausage

Toss sliced kielbasa into a hot pot with a splash of oil. Let it sizzle and dance until golden edges appear, creating delicious caramelized bits. Scoop out the meat and set aside.

• Awaken the Vegetables

In the same pot, welcome diced onions, carrots, and celery. Let them soften and mingle, releasing their aromatic. Sprinkle in garlic and warming spices, letting them bloom and fill the kitchen with incredible fragrance.

• Build the Soup's Foundation

Return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Pour in broth, water, and tangy sauerkraut. Drop in diced potatoes and a bay leaf for extra depth. Bring everything to a gentle bubble, then let it simmer quietly, allowing flavors to dance and meld together.

• Final Touches

Pluck out the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings, letting salt and pepper whisper their. Ladle into warm bowls, optional parsley sprinkled on top for a fresh burst of color. Serve steaming hot and enjoy the hearty embrace of this comforting soup.

Tips for Balancing Bold Soup Flavors

• Add a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar when sautéing vegetables for deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Substitute kielbasa with smoked bratwurst, andouille sausage, or chorizo for exciting regional taste variations.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free chicken broth and ensuring your sausage contains no wheat-based fillers. For a lower-sodium option, choose reduced-sodium sauerkraut and broth.
• Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or add extra firm tofu, mushrooms, and smoked paprika to mimic the meaty texture and smoky flavor. Incorporate additional root vegetables like parsnips for depth.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld and intensify, creating an even more delicious meal.

Serve Kielbasa Soup in Rustic Style

• Hearty Bread Pairing: Serve with thick slices of crusty sourdough or rye bread to soak up the flavorful broth, adding a delightful texture and extra warmth to the meal.
• Creamy Potato Topping: Sprinkle some grated sharp cheddar or dollop sour cream on top to create a rich, creamy contrast to the tangy sauerkraut and savory kielbasa.
• Pickle-Lover's Garnish: Add a few quick-pickled onions or a small side of dill pickles to complement the soup's sour notes and provide a crunchy, zesty accompaniment.
• Cozy Wine Match: Pair with a crisp German-style lager or a light-bodied Riesling to balance the soup's robust flavors and enhance the overall dining experience.

Keep Kielbasa Soup Fresh and Satisfying

• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently on stovetop.
• Warm soup in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Stir gently to prevent potato breakdown.
• Keep sauerkraut and potatoes separate from main soup batch if planning multiple meals. Add fresh components when reheating to maintain optimal texture and flavor integrity.

FAQs

• What's the origin of kielbasa in this soup?

Kielbasa is a traditional Polish sausage that brings rich, smoky flavor to this hearty Central European-inspired soup, adding depth and authentic taste.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

While kielbasa works best, you can substitute with smoked sausage or bratwurst for similar results, though the flavor profile will slightly change.

• Is this soup considered healthy?

The soup is relatively nutritious, packed with vegetables, protein from kielbasa, and probiotics from sauerkraut, making it a balanced and wholesome meal option.

• What makes sauerkraut special in this recipe?

Sauerkraut adds tangy flavor, provides beneficial probiotics, and contributes a classic Eastern European touch to the soup’s overall taste and authenticity.

Hearty Kielbasa And Sauerkraut Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Polish kielbasa and sauerkraut soup offers hearty comfort in a bowl. Rich flavors blend German and Polish culinary traditions, delivering warmth with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (454 grams) kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) sauerkraut, drained
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) water
• 1 tbsp (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp caraway seeds (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sear Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, brown kielbasa slices until edges caramelize, then set aside on a separate plate to preserve flavor intensity.
2. Build Aromatic Base: In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Introduce minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and caraway seeds, stirring to release their fragrant oils and create a robust flavor foundation.
3. Combine and Simmer: Return browned kielbasa to the vegetable mixture, then pour in chicken broth and water. Add sauerkraut, diced potatoes, and bay leaf, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until potatoes become tender.
4. Finalize and Serve: Remove bay leaf, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the hearty soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Sear Sausage Perfectly: Brown kielbasa on high heat to lock in smoky flavors and create caramelized exterior, enhancing overall soup depth.
• Vegetable Sauté Technique: Cook onions, carrots, and celery slowly to release natural sweetness and build a robust flavor foundation before adding liquids.
• Spice Balance Strategy: Use smoked paprika and caraway seeds sparingly to complement kielbasa’s rich taste without overwhelming the soup’s delicate profile.
• Simmer Smartly: Keep soup at low heat to prevent potato disintegration and allow flavors to meld gently, maintaining ingredients’ distinct textures.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg