If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and full-of-flavor soup, Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Soup is the dish you need to try! This flavorful soup combines the smoky, savory taste of kielbasa sausage with the tangy bite of sauerkraut, along with vegetables and seasonings to create a rich, satisfying dish. It’s perfect for those chilly nights when you want something warm, filling, and packed with flavor.
What makes this soup so special is the combination of hearty ingredients and savory flavors. The kielbasa adds a smoky richness, while the sauerkraut brings a tangy bite that perfectly balances the soup. The vegetables and broth tie everything together, making this a one-pot meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up some pantry staples while still creating a delicious and comforting meal.
I first made this Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Soup when I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. It turned out to be a hit, with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or serving it at a family gathering, this soup will always be a crowd-pleaser!
Why This Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Soup Will Be Your New Favorite
- Savory and tangy: The kielbasa sausage brings a smoky richness, while the sauerkraut adds a tangy flavor that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Hearty and filling: With potatoes and vegetables, this soup is packed with ingredients that make it both comforting and satisfying.
- Easy to make: This is a simple one-pot soup that comes together in just about an hour, perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Perfect for leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
- Great for a crowd: If you’re hosting a family gathering or need to feed a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve more people.
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 tsp caraway seeds (optional, but adds a nice touch)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How to Make Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Soup
- Sauté the kielbasa: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set it aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the broth and potatoes: Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Add the sauerkraut and seasonings: Stir in the sauerkraut, caraway seeds (if using), thyme, black pepper, and salt to taste. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Return the kielbasa: Add the cooked kielbasa back into the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the kielbasa to heat through and infuse the soup with its smoky flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Tips
- Use quality kielbasa: The flavor of the kielbasa really shines in this soup, so choose a high-quality sausage for the best results.
- Make it spicier: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions and garlic.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or cabbage for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, you can use a plant-based sausage or skip the kielbasa altogether and use extra vegetables and beans for protein.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different sausage: If you can’t find kielbasa, try using smoked sausage, bratwurst, or even a turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Use beef broth: You can substitute chicken broth with beef broth for a heartier flavor that pairs well with the smoky kielbasa.
- Add beans: For extra protein, you can add a can of white beans or kidney beans to the soup.
Make a Healthier Version
- Low-fat version: Use turkey kielbasa or a lower-fat sausage to cut down on fat and calories.
- Low-sodium: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the sodium content in the soup.
- Dairy-free: This soup is naturally dairy-free, but if you’re topping it with sour cream, you can use a dairy-free version.
Closing
And there you have it! Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Soup is the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and comforting flavors that come together in one pot. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish but also makes a great side for a larger meal. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or as part of a holiday spread, this soup is sure to please everyone. Don’t forget to let us know how your soup turns out, and check out more of our easy and comforting soup recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove. - Can I use fresh sauerkraut instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh sauerkraut works great in this recipe. Just be sure to drain it before adding it to the soup. - How do I know when the potatoes and carrots are done?
The potatoes and carrots are done when they are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork. - Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Brown the kielbasa in a skillet, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. - Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like celery, parsnips, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. - Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage, bratwurst, or even turkey sausage for a lighter version. - How do I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick of heat. - Can I make this soup without the bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon if you prefer. You can also use turkey bacon or pancetta for a lighter version. - How can I thicken this soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes once they’re cooked, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the soup. - Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use a vegetarian sausage or skip the sausage altogether, and add extra vegetables and beans for protein. - What should I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with a slice of crusty bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Soup
4
servings30
40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1 lb 1 kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 medium 1 onion, chopped
2 cloves 2 garlic, minced
2 cups 2 sauerkraut, drained
3 cups 3 chicken broth
2 large 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup 1 carrots, peeled and sliced
1/2 tsp 1/2 caraway seeds (optional, but adds a nice touch)
1/2 tsp 1/2 dried thyme
1/4 tsp 1/4 black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tbsp 2 olive oil
Directions
- Sauté the kielbasa: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set it aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the broth and potatoes: Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Add the sauerkraut and seasonings: Stir in the sauerkraut, caraway seeds (if using), thyme, black pepper, and salt to taste. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Return the kielbasa: Add the cooked kielbasa back into the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the kielbasa to heat through and infuse the soup with its smoky flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
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