We've had some chilly, rainy days here in Scotland, so it's definitely time for soup! I wanted some proper comfort too, so I made a large pot of this soup with kielbasa and potatoes. Delicious doesn't even begin to cover it! 
A hearty and comforting soup with kielbasa and potatoes is the perfect dish for those seeking a warm and satisfying meal. This flavorful soup combines the smoky,
savory taste of kielbasa sausage with tender chunks of potatoes, creating a dish that is both filling and delicious. The base of the soup is often a rich broth,
which can be made with chicken or vegetable stock, and is infused with aromatic herbs and spices such as garlic, onion, paprika, and bay leaves to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 300 g (10.5 oz) kielbasa sausage, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon red chilli flakes
- 750 g (1 ½ lb) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1.25 litres (5 cups) chicken stock
- 300 ml (1 ¼) full-fat milk
- 100 g (3.5 oz) cheddar cheese, grated
- 30 g (½ cup) fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven and fry the kielbasa for 4-5 minutes over medium heat until slightly crispy. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
Add the onion, carrot and celery to the same oil you cooked the kielbasa in and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and red chilli flakes and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the potatoes and chicken stock to the pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, covered with a lid, until the potatoes are fork-tender
Take a ladle of soup and mix it with the milk in a measuring jug or bowl to temper it. Pour the mixture into the pot, then add the cooked kielbasa.
Add the cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted.
Simmer the soup for 2-3 more minutes until it thickens some more, then stir in the parsley. Season to taste, then divide into bowls and serve with extra grated cheddar on top if you