Kielbasa Stew

Kielbasa Stew Recipe from Poland - Ingredients and Steps

Region / culture: Poland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Kielbasa stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This stew is packed with vegetables, kielbasa sausage, and a creamy broth that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Kielbasa stew has its origins in Eastern European cuisine, where kielbasa sausage is a popular ingredient in many dishes. The combination of kielbasa with vegetables and a creamy soup base creates a delicious and satisfying meal that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) turkey kielbasa, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 large stalks celery, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
1 can baby corn
1 can condensed cream of celery soup
1.5 cup baby carrots (large ones should be halved)
1 small package frozen peas
3 – 4 small red potatoes, cubed
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
0.5 cup sliced zucchini
0.5 tsp thyme
cooking oil

How to prepare

Heat the cooking oil in a large pan.
Sauté the kielbasa, onion, and celery.
Add the soup and gradually stir in 1 cup of water.
Add the remaining vegetables and thyme.
Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the vegetables are just tender.

Variations

Use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or Italian sausage, for a different flavor profile.
Add beans or lentils for extra protein and fiber.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the kielbasa before adding it to the stew to enhance its flavor.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this stew to suit your preferences.

- For a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the broth towards the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this kielbasa stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the kielbasa and vegetables before adding the broth to enhance their flavors.

- Simmer the stew over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

- Substitute other vegetables, such as bell peppers or green beans, for a different twist.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stew with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This kielbasa stew pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 18g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream of celery soup) and may contain gluten (depending on the brand of kielbasa).

Summary

This kielbasa stew is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Kielbasa stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with vegetables, sausage, and a creamy broth, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Kielbasa Stew. It was given to me by an old friend of mine, Mrs. Jenkins, who had learned it from her own grandmother many years ago. Mrs. Jenkins was a wonderful cook, and I always looked forward to trying out new recipes that she shared with me.

The first time she made the Kielbasa Stew for me, I was blown away by the rich flavors and hearty ingredients. The combination of tender kielbasa sausage, savory vegetables, and fragrant herbs created a dish that was both comforting and delicious. I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Mrs. Jenkins was more than happy to teach me her family recipe. She invited me over to her house one sunny afternoon, and we spent the day cooking together in her cozy kitchen. She walked me through each step of the process, explaining the importance of browning the kielbasa to enhance its flavor, and how to sauté the vegetables until they were tender and caramelized.

As we stirred the pot together, the delicious aroma of the stew filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. Mrs. Jenkins ladled out generous portions of the steaming stew into bowls, and we sat down at her kitchen table to enjoy our meal.

The first spoonful of the Kielbasa Stew was a revelation. The tender chunks of sausage melted in my mouth, while the vegetables added a burst of freshness and color to each bite. The flavors of the herbs and spices mingled together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

After that day, I made the Kielbasa Stew for my own family countless times. It became a staple in our household, especially during the colder months when a warm and hearty meal was just what we needed. My grandchildren would always ask for seconds, and I was happy to oblige.

Over the years, I've made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touches to make it truly my own. I've experimented with different vegetables, herbs, and spices, always striving to perfect the flavors of the stew. Each time I make it, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the wonderful memories we shared in her kitchen.

Now, as I pass on the recipe for Kielbasa Stew to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will enjoy making it as much as I have. I hope that they will create their own memories in the kitchen, sharing the joys of cooking with the ones they love. And most of all, I hope that the delicious flavors of this stew will bring them as much happiness and comfort as it has brought me over the years.

So here it is, my beloved recipe for Kielbasa Stew, passed down through generations and shared with love. May it warm your hearts and fill your bellies, just as it has done for me and my family. Enjoy!