Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 12 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1.5 cups sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
Prep and brown the meats:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the sliced kielbasa to the pot and brown for 3-5 minutes. Remove the kielbasa and set aside as well.
Sauté the vegetables:
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
- Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Build the soup base:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the diced potatoes, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Thicken the soup:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk mixture to the soup, whisking constantly.
- Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish and serve:
- Stir in the corn, reserved kielbasa, and bacon.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Tips:
- Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you prefer them over russet.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for extra richness.
- Variations: Swap in other vegetables you love, like zucchini or bell peppers.
Enjoy! This soup is perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping.
