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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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