Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup

### Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup: A Hearty, Comforting Dish for All Seasons

If you’re looking for a warm, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal, **Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup** is the perfect dish. This flavorful soup combines the savory taste of kielbasa sausage with tender cabbage and a variety of seasonings, making it a cozy meal that’s perfect for chilly days or any time you want a hearty, wholesome dish. It’s easy to prepare, and its comforting flavors are sure to please everyone at the table.

Whether you’re a fan of classic comfort food or simply looking for a new way to enjoy cabbage, this kielbasa and cabbage soup is a must-try!

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#### Why You’ll Love This Soup

– **Hearty and Filling**: The kielbasa provides a rich, smoky flavor, while the cabbage adds bulk and texture, making this soup incredibly filling.
– **Quick and Easy**: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this soup ready in under an hour.
– **Versatile**: This soup is customizable—add extra vegetables, spice it up, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
– **Perfect for Leftovers**: This soup reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers the next day.

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#### Ingredients

For a comforting bowl of kielbasa and cabbage soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– **1 lb kielbasa sausage**, sliced into ¼-inch rounds (you can also use smoked sausage or other types of sausage)
– **1 small head of cabbage**, chopped into bite-sized pieces
– **1 medium onion**, diced
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **3 medium potatoes**, peeled and diced
– **4 cups chicken broth** (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
– **2 cups water**
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme**
– **1 teaspoon paprika** (optional, for a smoky flavor)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1 bay leaf**
– **Fresh parsley** (for garnish, optional)

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#### Step-by-Step Recipe

**1. Sauté the Kielbasa and Vegetables**
– In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sausage starts to brown and releases its flavorful oils.
– Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.

**2. Add the Broth and Seasoning**
– Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine. Add the dried thyme, paprika (if using), and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil.

**3. Add the Potatoes and Cabbage**
– Once the soup reaches a boil, add the diced potatoes and chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
– Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cabbage is soft.

**4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning**
– Once the soup is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

**5. Serve and Garnish**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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#### Tips for Success

1. **Customizable Vegetables**: If you’d like to add more vegetables, carrots, celery, or parsnips are great additions that complement the flavors of this soup.
2. **Add Heat**: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
3. **Use Canned Broth**: If you’re in a hurry, using canned chicken broth is a time-saver, but homemade broth can add even more depth of flavor.
4. **Smoked Sausage**: For an extra smoky flavor, try using smoked sausage or kielbasa.
5. **Thicker Soup**: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the soup once they’re tender, or add a tablespoon of flour to the pot at the beginning to thicken the broth.

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#### Serving Suggestions

Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup is a satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

– **Crusty Bread**: Serve with a slice of fresh, crusty bread for dipping into the broth.
– **A Simple Salad**: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
– **Mashed Potatoes**: For an extra comforting touch, serve the soup with creamy mashed potatoes on the side.

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