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Authentic Polish Kapusniak (Hearty Kielbasa & Sauerkraut Soup)

A close-up of a bowl of rich sauerkraut soup featuring chunks of potato, slices of browned sausage, and fresh dill.
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Make this traditional Polish Kapusniak, a hearty and tangy sauerkraut soup featuring smoked kielbasa sausage and potatoes. This is a perfect, warming meal for cold weather.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups drained sauerkraut, roughly chopped if needed
  • 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creamy version)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the 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 and set aside.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 7 minutes.
  3. Pour in the broth. Add the drained sauerkraut, cubed potatoes, marjoram, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Return the cooked kielbasa to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
  6. Remove the bay leaf. If you prefer a creamy soup, stir in the heavy cream now. Heat gently but do not boil after adding cream.
  7. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh dill before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the sauerkraut before use will reduce the soup’s overall tanginess; use less water if you prefer a stronger sour flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the kielbasa with smoked tofu or additional mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully developed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdreams.com/sauerkraut-soup-authentic-polish-kapusniak/