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Flavorful Smoked Kilbasa Potato Soup with Cabbage and Kale

smoked kilbasa potato soup - featured image

A hearty and smoky soup combining smoked kilbasa, tender potatoes, cabbage, and kale for a cozy and satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz smoked kilbasa, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and diced
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage (about 150 g)
  • 2 cups chopped kale leaves (about 70 g), tough stems removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth (1.4 liters), low-sodium recommended
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Slice the smoked kilbasa into bite-sized rounds. Chop the onion finely, mince the garlic, shred the cabbage, and roughly chop the kale, removing thick stems.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the sliced kilbasa and sauté until it starts to brown and release its smoky oils, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Add diced potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and start to break down slightly, thickening the broth naturally. Stir occasionally.
  7. Stir in the shredded cabbage and chopped kale. Continue simmering until the greens are wilted but still vibrant, about 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
  8. Optional: Remove about 1 to 1½ cups of soup, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot for a creamier texture. Stir well to combine.
  9. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

Keep an eye on the potatoes during simmering to avoid mushiness. Add extra broth or water if the soup thickens too much. Add kale and cabbage near the end to retain texture and color. Use smoked paprika sparingly to avoid overpowering the soup. For a vegetarian version, substitute smoked kilbasa with smoked tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked kilbasa soup, potato soup, cabbage soup, kale soup, hearty soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, smoky sausage soup