Creamy Kielbasa and Potato Chowder
This hearty Creamy Kielbasa and Potato Chowder is the perfect solution for a quick yet satisfying weeknight dinner. Utilizing leftover smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage, it's packed with flavor from crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh greens, making it both nutritious and delicious. The rich, creamy broth melds all the ingredients together, creating a comforting dish that will warm you from the inside out. Ideal for busy families, this chowder promises to be a new favorite at your dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage
1/2 lb (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
bacon
3 slices (diced)
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups
water
1 1/2 cups
potatoes
2 medium (peeled and cubed)
chicken bouillon granule
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/8 teaspoon
kale leaves or fresh spinach
2 leaves (torn or chopped)
heavy whipping cream or 2% low-fat milk
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick skillet, cook the smoked kielbasa and diced bacon over medium heat until browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain the excess fat, reserving 1 teaspoon of drippings in the skillet.
2
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onion is tender and translucent.
3
In a large saucepan, combine the reduced-sodium chicken broth and water, bringing it to a boil over high heat.
4
Once boiling, add the cubed potatoes, chicken bouillon granule, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5
Stir in the sausage and bacon mixture along with the torn kale (or chopped spinach). Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the greens to wilt and the flavors to meld.
6
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy whipping cream (or 2% milk). Stir gently and cook for 1 more minute, or until heated through. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Kielbasa and Potato Chowder?
It is a hearty and comforting soup featuring smoked sausage, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes in a rich, creamy broth.
What kind of sausage can I use for this recipe?
You can use smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
How much kielbasa is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 pound of smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage.
Does this chowder include bacon?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 slices of diced bacon.
What type of onion should I use?
One small onion, finely chopped, is recommended for this chowder.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 clove of minced garlic for flavor.
What type of broth is best for this chowder?
The recipe specifies using 1 1/2 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth.
How much water is added to the base?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of water in addition to the chicken broth.
What kind of potatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 medium potatoes that have been peeled and cubed.
What seasoning is used for the broth?
The broth is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of chicken bouillon granule and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I add greens to this chowder?
Yes, you can use 2 leaves of torn kale or fresh chopped spinach.
What dairy options can I use for the creamy broth?
You can use either 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream or 2% low-fat milk.
How long does it take to brown the meat?
It takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes to cook the kielbasa and bacon over medium heat.
Should I drain the fat after browning the meat?
Yes, drain the excess fat but reserve 1 teaspoon of drippings in the skillet for sauteing.
How long should I saute the onion and garlic?
Saute the onion and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is tender.
How long do the potatoes take to cook?
Once the broth is boiling, the potatoes should cook for about 10 minutes until fork-tender.
When do I add the cooked sausage and bacon to the pot?
Stir the meat mixture into the saucepan after the potatoes have finished cooking.
How long do the greens need to cook?
The greens should be cooked for about 2 minutes to allow them to wilt.
When should I add the cream or milk?
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream or milk at the very end.
How long do I heat the soup after adding the dairy?
Cook for 1 more minute after adding the cream until the chowder is heated through.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed as a quick yet satisfying weeknight dinner solution for busy families.
Can I use leftover sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely, this recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage.
Is this chowder considered healthy?
It is described as nutritious because it includes fresh greens and potatoes.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients required to make this chowder.
Can I substitute the kale?
Yes, fresh chopped spinach is a great substitute for kale leaves.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include chowder, kielbasa, potato, quick dinner, comfort food, and soup.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
Potatoes should be peeled and cut into cubes.
Does the recipe use high heat for the dairy?
No, you should reduce the heat to low before adding the heavy whipping cream or milk.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a rich and creamy chowder with chunks of sausage and potato.
How should I serve this chowder?
It should be served hot immediately after it is heated through.