KIELBASA SOUP WITH POTATOES

Embrace Cozy Comfort: Kielbasa and Potato Soup

Calling all soup lovers! This Kielbasa and Potato Soup is about to become your new favorite. It's a hearty and flavorful dish bursting with tender potatoes, slightly crisp kielbasa sausage, and a creamy cheese broth. It's the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Flavor Explosion: Every spoonful is a delicious combination of textures and tastes. The savory kielbasa, fluffy potatoes, and vibrant vegetables mingle perfectly in a creamy cheese broth.
• One-Pot Wonder: This soup comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze! It's ideal for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spare.
• Customizable Comfort: Feel free to personalize this recipe to your liking. Add different vegetables, swap the cheese varieties, or adjust the spice level to create your perfect bowl of comfort.

Ingredients:

• For the Savory Sausage:

  • 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced

• For the Aromatic Base:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • ½ cup celery, finely sliced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced

• For the Hearty Broth:

  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 ½ pounds potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups milk

• For the Creamy Cheese Finish:

  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Crisping the Kielbasa: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup kettle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until it browns and crisps slightly on the edges. Remove the cooked sausage from the pot and set it aside.

2. Building the Flavor Base: In the same pot (no need to clean!), add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 2 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their fragrance.

3. Bringing it All Together: Pour in the chicken stock and diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low-medium, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Cheesy Bliss: Add the cooked kielbasa back to the pot along with the milk, Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and creamy.

5. Serving and Enjoying: Remove the pot from the heat and ladle the delicious Kielbasa and Potato Soup into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this warm and comforting soup!

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
• Add a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra pop of color and veggie power.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.