If you’re someone who loves hearty, flavorful dishes that are both satisfying and comforting, then Polish Sausage Soup is a recipe you’ll want to try. This dish combines the smoky, savory flavor of kielbasa with tender vegetables and rich broth, making it the perfect meal for a chilly day or anytime you’re craving something delicious and filling. Often enjoyed in Polish households, this soup brings together ingredients in a way that’s simple but still delivers complex flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for something quick to whip up for dinner, Polish Sausage Soup is a great go-to choice.
But this dish isn’t just about taste; it’s also an opportunity to explore Polish culinary traditions, some of which date back centuries. The combination of sausages, root vegetables, and spices reflects the heartiness of the region’s food culture. Plus, it’s surprisingly versatile and can be customized based on what you have on hand. So, let’s dive into this rich and comforting recipe!
Polish Sausage Soup Recipe
Polish Sausage Soup is easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy cooking techniques. What it does require, however, is a selection of flavorful ingredients and a bit of time to let everything simmer together and develop its rich, mouthwatering taste. Here’s how you can bring a taste of Poland to your kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you’ll need:
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Kielbasa (Polish sausage) – 1 pound
- This is the heart of the dish. Kielbasa is a smoked, garlicky sausage with a deep flavor that holds up well in soups.
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Potatoes – 3 medium, peeled and diced
- Potatoes add a hearty, creamy texture once they soften in the broth.
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Carrots – 2 medium, peeled and sliced
- Carrots bring both sweetness and a vibrant color to the soup.
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Celery – 2 stalks, chopped
- Celery adds a subtle earthiness and a nice crunch that balances the texture.
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Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Onion is a classic base for most soups, contributing depth and aroma.
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Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Garlic infuses the soup with its pungent, savory flavor.
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Cabbage – 2 cups, shredded
- Cabbage adds a mild bitterness that contrasts the richness of the sausage.
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Chicken or vegetable broth – 6 cups
- This is your liquid base. You can adjust the amount based on your preferred soup thickness.
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Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon
- Thyme enhances the earthiness of the vegetables and complements the smokiness of the sausage.
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Bay leaves – 2
- Bay leaves contribute a subtle aromatic note to the broth.
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Salt and black pepper – to taste
- Season to your preference, ensuring the broth is properly seasoned to highlight the flavors.
- Olive oil or butter – for sautéing
Optional garnishes:
- Sour cream – for creaminess
- Fresh parsley – for color and freshness
Cooking Instructions
This Polish Sausage Soup is so easy to make that you’ll feel like a seasoned chef in no time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you there:
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Peel and dice the potatoes, slice the carrots, chop the celery, and dice the onion. Mince the garlic and shred the cabbage.
- Cut the kielbasa into bite-sized slices or half-moons.
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Cook The Kielbasa
- In a large pot, heat a little bit of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the kielbasa and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 4-5 minutes. This step helps release the sausage’s natural oils, which will infuse the broth with flavor.
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Sauté Vegetables
- Add the diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the kielbasa. Stir occasionally for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
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Add Broth And Seasonings
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer
- Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. This gives the vegetables time to soften and absorb the flavors of the sausage.
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Add Potatoes And Cabbage
- Add the diced potatoes and shredded cabbage to the pot. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cabbage is wilted.
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Taste And Adjust
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want a richer flavor, feel free to add more thyme or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. The creamy sour cream adds a nice contrast to the smoky, savory base of the soup.
Ingredient Insights
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Kielbasa (Polish Sausage)
Kielbasa is the backbone of this recipe. Its smoked flavor infuses the entire soup, making it rich and satisfying. In Poland, kielbasa comes in many varieties, and while you can use different types, the classic smoked version works best in this soup. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can opt for a spicy kielbasa.
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Cabbage
Cabbage is a staple in many Polish dishes, particularly soups like this one. It helps add texture and a slight bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the savory kielbasa. Additionally, cabbage is known for being high in fiber and vitamin C.
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Thyme And Bay Leaves
These herbs are key in creating a balanced flavor profile for the soup. Thyme is earthy, and bay leaves add a subtle floral and slightly herbal note. Both ingredients are used often in European cooking and bring out the best in the broth.
Expert Tips
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Don’t Skimp On Browning The Sausage
- Searing the kielbasa at the start is crucial. It not only enhances the flavor but also prevents the sausage from becoming rubbery during the simmering process. The bits of brown on the sausage contribute a lot of rich, smoky flavor.
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Simmer Low And Slow
- Let the soup simmer gently. A slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and deepens the broth’s richness. If you let it cook too quickly, you might lose some of the flavors.
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Use Homemade Broth
- If you have homemade chicken or vegetable broth, it’ll add a layer of depth that store-bought versions can’t compete with. If you do use store-bought, look for a low-sodium version to control the salt content better.
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Customize The Vegetables
- Feel free to swap out or add vegetables. Leeks, parsnips, or even turnips would make a great addition or replacement for the potatoes or carrots. The recipe is flexible and can be adjusted based on what you have in your kitchen.
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Let It Sit Overnight
- Like many soups, Polish Sausage Soup tastes even better the next day. If you have time, let it sit in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to intensify. Reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
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Spicy Polish Sausage Soup
- If you like some heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicier sausage like kabanos (a spicy, dry Polish sausage) instead of regular kielbasa. A touch of smoked paprika also elevates the smoky profile.
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Vegetarian Version
- To make this soup vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the kielbasa and replace the broth with vegetable stock. You can add more robust vegetables like mushrooms or tempeh for a savory substitute.
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Add Beans
- For added protein and heartiness, you can include a can of white beans, like cannellini or great northern beans. They’ll complement the sausage and give the soup more texture.
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Creamy Version
- For a creamier twist, after the soup is cooked, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk. This will give the broth a velvety texture that pairs wonderfully with the smoky kielbasa.
Final Words
Polish Sausage Soup is one of those dishes that truly delivers on flavor without a ton of effort. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s hearty, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re following the recipe as is or putting your own spin on it, this soup is sure to become a favorite. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in warmth, even on the coldest days.
FAQs
What Is Polish Sausage Soup?
Polish sausage soup, often known as ’Kiełbasa Soup’ in Poland, is a hearty, flavorful soup made with Polish sausage (kiełbasa), potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and sometimes beans or other vegetables. It is a traditional comfort food that blends the savory richness of sausage with the earthy flavors of vegetables.
What Type Of Sausage Should I Use For Polish Sausage Soup?
For the best flavor, use authentic Polish kielbasa sausage, which can be either smoked or fresh. Smoked kielbasa adds a deep, smoky flavor to the soup, while fresh kielbasa provides a milder taste. You can find kielbasa at most grocery stores or specialty markets.
Can I Make Polish Sausage Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can easily make Polish sausage soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients (such as sausage, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, broth, and seasonings) into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
What Are The Key Ingredients In Polish Sausage Soup?
The key ingredients typically include Polish kielbasa sausage, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, onion, garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, and seasonings such as bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Some variations may also include beans, sauerkraut, or other vegetables.
Can I Make Polish Sausage Soup Vegetarian?
While the traditional Polish sausage soup includes meat, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and using plant-based sausage alternatives or adding more hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, beans, or lentils for added texture and flavor.
What Kind Of Broth Is Best For Polish Sausage Soup?
The best broth for Polish sausage soup is a rich, savory vegetable or chicken broth. The broth should complement the sausage and vegetables, helping to create a balanced and flavorful base for the soup. You can also use homemade broth for a more intense flavor.
How Can I Thicken Polish Sausage Soup?
To thicken Polish sausage soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup, add a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour mixed with water, or include a small amount of cream or sour cream for a richer, creamier texture.
Can I Freeze Polish Sausage Soup?
Yes, Polish sausage soup can be frozen. To do so, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. The soup will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
How Long Does It Take To Make Polish Sausage Soup?
The preparation time for Polish sausage soup is typically around 15-20 minutes, and the cooking time is about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the method and the tenderness of the vegetables. If using a slow cooker, it can take 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
What Can I Serve With Polish Sausage Soup?
Polish sausage soup pairs well with crusty bread or rye bread, which can be used to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also serve it with a side salad, pickles, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavor.