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Hearty Polish Kapusniak (Sauerkraut Soup) with Smoked Sausage and Potatoes

Close-up of a bowl of rich sauerkraut soup featuring thick slices of smoked sausage and chunks of potato.
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This Kapusniak recipe delivers a traditional, hearty Polish sauerkraut soup balancing tangy sauerkraut with savory smoked sausage and tender potatoes. It is a straightforward, warming one-pot dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (32 ounce) package sauerkraut, drained and rinsed slightly
  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creamy sauerkraut soup)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

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, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 7 minutes.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the drained sauerkraut, diced potatoes, marjoram, caraway seeds, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot. If you want a creamy sauerkraut soup, stir in the heavy cream now. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
  6. Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Rinsing the sauerkraut reduces its initial sharp tang, helping you achieve a balanced flavor profile common in many Kapusniak recipes.
  • For a richer flavor, use smoked pork ribs instead of kielbasa, simmering them with the broth until tender before removing the meat to shred and return to the soup.
  • This soup freezes well; omit the heavy cream if freezing, and add it back when reheating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/sauerkraut-soup-recipe-kapusniak/