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Cozy Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Potato Soup

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This hearty, creamy slow cooker soup features smoky kielbasa and tender potatoes in a rich broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food that requires minimal effort—just chop, dump, and let the slow cooker work its magic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb smoked kielbasa, sliced into rounds
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed into ¾-inch pieces
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the kielbasa: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are browned and slightly crispy. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the diced onions and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Layer the slow cooker: Add the cubed potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
  4. Add the liquid and aromatics: Pour the chicken broth over the potatoes. Add the sautéed onions and garlic, browned kielbasa, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
  6. Create the creamy finish: About 20 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaves. Scoop out about 1 cup of the soup (mostly potatoes and broth) and blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Stir the blended mixture back into the slow cooker. Stir in the heavy cream.
  7. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the kielbasa—it adds essential flavor. For a dairy-free version, substitute full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream. The soup thickens as it sits; add a splash of broth when reheating. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker kielbasa and potato soup, kielbasa soup, potato soup, slow cooker soup, comfort food, creamy potato soup

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/cozy-slow-cooker-kielbasa-and-potato-soup/