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Hearty One-Pot Polish Sauerkraut Soup (Kapusniak) with Kielbasa

Close-up of a white bowl filled with rich sauerkraut soup, featuring chunks of smoked sausage and fresh dill garnish.
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Make this incredibly satisfying, one-pot Polish Sauerkraut Soup, Kapusniak, featuring smoky kielbasa and potatoes. This recipe delivers authentic, robust flavor perfect for chilly nights without demanding hours of effort.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 cups sauerkraut, drained (reserve 1/2 cup liquid)
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy variation)
  • Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced potatoes, drained sauerkraut, broth, marjoram, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot. Stir in the reserved sauerkraut liquid and the 1/2 cup of water. Simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
  6. Remove the bay leaf. If you prefer a creamy soup, stir in the heavy cream now and heat through gently without boiling.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill.

Notes

  • For a more traditional, tangy broth, skip the heavy cream.
  • If your sauerkraut is very salty, rinse it lightly before adding it to the soup.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/sauerkraut-soup-hearty-polish-kapusniak-recipe/