Get ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of mouthwatering aromas with this incredibly easy and hearty Polish-inspired slow cooker soup! Imagine coming home to a rich, flavorful dish that practically cooks itself, packed with tender kielbasa, sweet cabbage, and perfectly cooked vegetables. This isn't just a soup - it's a one-pot wonder that will have your family begging for seconds and transform even the coldest day into a cozy culinary experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Polish
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: slice kielbasa into 1/2-inch rounds, chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice onions, slice carrots, and cube potatoes.
- Place sliced kielbasa in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
- Add chopped onions, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes on top of the kielbasa.
- Spread chopped cabbage evenly over the other ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Pour vegetable broth over all ingredients, ensuring vegetables are mostly submerged.
- Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper evenly across the top of the ingredients.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Stir soup gently to combine ingredients and distribute flavors.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately with crusty bread if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality kielbasa for maximum flavor - a good sausage makes all the difference in this recipe.
- Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider browning the kielbasa slightly before adding to the slow cooker.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a little broth during the last hour of cooking.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the slow, low heat allows flavors to develop and ingredients to become perfectly tender.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a full batch!
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers to soak up the delicious broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
