Kielbasa Soup

Kielbasa Soup

Winter finally came to town here in southern New England and with temperatures in the teens I start looking around for soups that will warm our insides.  This kielbasa soup is inspired by a recipe from Leen's Lodge, in Grand Lake Stream, Maine.  Grand Lake Stream is a very tiny town in the Down East Region of Maine known for its excellent fishing and hunting.  I told you a bit about Grand Lake Stream after I visited there last summer.  Leen's Lodge is one of the camps where hunters, fishermen and other outdoors types can find accommodations.  Leen's Lodge serves hearty meals and this soup is one of their specialties. 

The recipe I am sharing with you today was inspired by Leen's original recipe, but I have taken some liberties with the ingredients.  You'll find this recipe makes enough for multiple meals or a large group and is perfect for freezing.  I started the recipe on the stove top and finished it in my crock pot, but you can easily make this completely on your stove top.  Be sure to use a heavy pot because you'll want to cook it for two hours to let the flavors meld.

Let's make some, shall we?

Kielbasa Soup
Inspired by Leen's Lodge

Kielbasa Soup Ingredients

• 1 pound kielbasa, cut into bite size pieces
• 2 15 ounce cans of beans, I used red kidney and cannellini 
• 1 28 ounce can garlic and basil flavored diced tomatoes
• 1 15 ounce can garlic and basil flavored diced tomatoes
• 32 ounces chicken broth
• 32 ounces V8 juice, or tomato juice
• 1 pound frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 onions, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• fresh kale, chopped, optional

Directions
Cut the kielbasa into chunks and dice the vegetables.  Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add the kielbasa and cook until lightly browned.  Remove from the pan, reserving the fat.  If you are using a crock pot, go ahead and add the kielbasa to the pot. 

Brown the Kielbasa

Add the onion, celery and peppers to the same pan in which you browned the kielbasa.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cook about 5 minutes over medium heat, until the vegetables have softened, but not browned.  Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.  Pour the vegetables into the crock pot.

Cook the Vegetables until Softened

Add the remaining ingredients to the crock pot, stirring to combine.  Cook on high for 4 hours.  Add the chopped kale in the last hour if you want.  Cook until wilted.  Taste for seasoning and serve with crusty bread.

Add the Remaining Ingredients

This would be a great soup to make this weekend to have while watching football on TV.  You'll have enough left over for a week night dinner next week.  You can get the printable kielbasa soup recipe by clicking the link.

Yummy kilebasa soup is perfect for a cold January day!
Enjoy!