Imagine a steaming bowl of pure comfort that transports you straight to the cozy kitchens of Poland, where every spoonful tells a story of tradition and warmth. This Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup is not just a meal—it's a culinary embrace that promises to chase away the coldest of days and fill your home with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone rushing to the dinner table. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a magical, soul-satisfying dish that proves comfort food is an art form!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Polish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Slice kielbasa into bite-sized rounds approximately 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sausage to brown and release its flavorful oils.
- Add chopped onions to the pot with kielbasa and sauté until the onions become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add chopped cabbage to the pot and stir, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften and reduce in volume.
- Pour in chicken broth and add diced potatoes. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cabbage is completely soft.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to preference.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of kielbasa, cabbage, and potatoes.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality kielbasa for maximum flavor—the better the sausage, the more delicious your soup will be.
- Don't rush the browning of kielbasa; those golden edges develop deep, rich flavors.
- Cut vegetables to similar sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- For a richer broth, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought.
- Let the soup simmer slowly to allow flavors to meld and develop complexity.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some potatoes against the side of the pot to create a naturally creamy texture.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg