Description
A tangy and hearty Eastern-European sauerkraut soup featuring smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and a savory tomato broth. This comforting dish combines sautéed onions, carrots, and kielbasa simmered with sauerkraut and spices for a flavorful bowl perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- Optional: 2 medium diced potatoes
Protein
- 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 3 cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced carrots, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and carrots begin to soften.
- Cook Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa to the pot and cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the sausage to brown slightly and release flavors.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the sauerkraut, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef or vegetable broth, paprika, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add diced potatoes at this stage for added heartiness.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, enjoying the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors.
Notes
- Adding diced potatoes makes the soup more filling and hearty.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute smoked sausage with smoked tofu or omit entirely and use vegetable broth.
- Rinsing sauerkraut reduces its acidity for a milder flavor.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
- This soup tastes great the next day as flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European