Kielbasa Potato Soup Cream (Printer-Friendly)

Savory kielbasa, tender potatoes, bacon, and kale are simmered in a rich, creamy broth with cheddar.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Protein and Meat

01 - 12 ounces kielbasa sausage, whole
02 - 4 slices bacon

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
04 - 1 cup yellow onion, diced
05 - 1/2 cup celery, diced
06 - 2 cups kale, stemmed and chopped
07 - 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

→ Dairy

08 - 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
09 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Liquids

11 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
12 - 5 cups low sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers

13 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
15 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
16 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce
17 - 1 bay leaf
18 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
19 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
20 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
21 - 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Other

22 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Arrange bacon slices in a large soup pot and cook over low heat until crisp. Remove bacon, set aside to cool, then chop finely for garnish.
02 - Add whole kielbasa sausage to the bacon drippings in the pot and sear on all sides until browned. Remove sausage, allow it to rest, then cut into 1/2-inch slices.
03 - Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits, then simmer until reduced by half. Add butter, diced onions, and celery; sauté until softened. Stir in minced garlic, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes, then sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 additional minute, stirring constantly.
04 - Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add heavy cream and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then add diced potatoes. Raise heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking until potatoes are just fork-tender, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
05 - Return sliced kielbasa to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in chopped kale and allow it to wilt for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and gently fold in freshly shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with reserved chopped bacon and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - For a lower sodium variation, opt for reduced-sodium broth, unsalted butter, and low-sodium soy sauce. If omitting bacon, sear kielbasa in a tablespoon of olive oil.
02 - Grate cheddar from a block for optimal melting and texture. Add cheese over low heat to prevent graininess.
03 - Substitute baby spinach for kale if desired, wilting for 2-3 minutes before serving.