Kielbasa Soup

Kielbasa soup is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for those chilly days when you crave a comforting bowl of goodness. This soup combines the smoky, savory flavors of kielbasa sausage with an array of vegetables and a rich, flavorful broth. Whether served as a starter or as a main course, this soup is sure to warm your soul and leave you feeling satisfied. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating your own kielbasa soup that’s both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients:

For the Kielbasa Soup:

• 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup small pasta (such as elbow macaroni or small shells)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Kielbasa

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced kielbasa rounds and sauté until they are browned on both sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the kielbasa from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
2. Add the diced carrots, celery, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

1. Return the sautéed kielbasa to the pot.
2. Pour in the diced tomatoes (including their juices), chicken or vegetable broth, and water.
3. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, and the vegetables to become tender.

Step 5: Add Green Beans, Corn, and Pasta

1. Stir in the green beans, corn kernels, and small pasta.
2. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Remove Bay Leaf and Serve

1. Discard the bay leaf.
2. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy

1. Ladle the hot kielbasa soup into bowls.
2. If desired, garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve the soup warm and enjoy the comforting and hearty flavors.

Kielbasa soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for warming up on cold days or any time you crave a comforting bowl of goodness. With its smoky kielbasa, colorful vegetables, and rich broth, this soup is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal. Whether served as a starter or a main course, homemade kielbasa soup is sure to become a favorite comfort dish in your kitchen.