Description
Hearty Polish kielbasa tortellini soup delivers comfort in every spoonful, blending robust sausage with tender cheese-filled pasta. Rich broth and savory ingredients create a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights palates with its simple, delicious charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 12 ounces (340 g) kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups (about 8 ounces / 225 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Transform kielbasa into crispy, caramelized morsels by sizzling in a spacious pot with olive oil over medium heat until golden brown edges develop, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer browned kielbasa onto a separate plate using a slotted utensil.
- Utilize the same pot’s residual flavorful oils to sauté a medley of aromatic vegetables – onions, carrots, and celery – encouraging them to soften and release their natural sweetness, requiring about 5-7 minutes of gentle cooking. Introduce minced garlic and allow its fragrant essence to permeate the mixture for an additional minute.
- Construct the soup’s foundation by incorporating chicken broth and tomatoes, including their vibrant juices. Enhance the liquid with a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, smoky paprika, salt, and ground pepper. Elevate the temperature until the mixture reaches a delicate, bubbling state.
- Gently lower the heat and introduce tortellini, allowing them to dance and simmer within the aromatic liquid for 5-7 minutes until they become tender and fully cooked.
- Reunite the previously seared kielbasa with the simmering soup. Fold in verdant spinach or kale, permitting the greens to gracefully wilt and integrate into the robust mixture for a brief 1-2 minutes.
- Present the hearty soup in individual bowls, crowning each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Accompany with a rustic, crusty bread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Optimize browned kielbasa by ensuring a golden-brown crust without burning, which develops deep, rich flavor profiles.
- Consider swapping protein for vegetarian alternatives like plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu to accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Enhance soup’s texture by adding small diced potatoes or white beans for extra heartiness and nutritional boost.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and adjusting salt incrementally during cooking process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg