Polish Potato Soup (Kartoflanka) is a rustic and hearty dish, perfect for cold weather or cozy family meals. Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, smoked kielbasa sausages, and fresh vegetables, this soup is full of flavor and comfort. The addition of sour cream gives it a creamy texture, and the smoked kielbasa adds a rich, savory depth to the dish. Served with rye bread, this traditional Polish soup is a great way to experience authentic, homemade Polish cuisine.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 2 smoked kielbasa sausages, sliced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp marjoram

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh dill, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add kielbasa slices and cook until browned, then remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onion and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.

3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, broth, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

4. Finish the Soup: Stir in sour cream and return the kielbasa to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

5. Serve: Garnish with fresh dill and serve hot, ideally with a side of rye bread for a complete meal.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: ~350 kcal

• Fat: ~20g

• Carbohydrates: ~30g

• Protein: ~15g

• Sodium: ~700mg

• Fiber: ~5g

The Tradition Behind Kartoflanka

Kartoflanka has its roots in Polish home-cooking, where simple and seasonal ingredients were used to create meals that could feed large families. The dish is often considered a “peasant soup,” originally made by rural families who grew potatoes in abundance. The simplicity of the ingredients reflects the need for meals that were filling and easy to prepare, using whatever was readily available. Over time, Kartoflanka has become a beloved dish that represents the heart of Polish culinary traditions. It’s a wonderful example of how a few basic ingredients can come together to form a dish that is flavorful, filling, and nurturing.

The key to its authenticity is the smoked kielbasa, which gives the soup its signature depth of flavor. Smoked kielbasa is a staple in Polish kitchens and plays an important role in many Polish dishes. Its smoky, savory taste infuses the soup, elevating the otherwise simple ingredients into a comforting and hearty meal. Adding sour cream to the soup provides a luscious, creamy texture, which is a traditional touch in Polish cuisine, where dairy products like sour cream are commonly used to enrich dishes.

Ingredients and Their Role in Kartoflanka

While Kartoflanka is made with a relatively small number of ingredients, each plays a crucial role in shaping the final flavor and texture of the soup.

1. Potatoes: The potatoes are the main ingredient in this soup. They provide bulk and create a creamy, hearty base once they’ve cooked and softened. Their natural starches help thicken the broth, making it more substantial and satisfying. When choosing potatoes for Kartoflanka, it’s best to use starchy potatoes, such as Russets, as they break down easily and help create a smoother texture in the soup.

2. Smoked Kielbasa: The smoky, savory flavor of kielbasa is what makes this soup distinctive. The kielbasa adds richness to the broth and complements the mild flavor of the potatoes. If you can find authentic Polish kielbasa, it will enhance the dish with its signature flavor, but any smoked sausage will work in a pinch.

3. Carrots: Carrots provide a touch of sweetness and color to the soup. When cooked, they add depth and a slight earthiness that balances the richness of the kielbasa and potatoes. The carrots are soft and tender, adding a gentle contrast to the texture of the potatoes.

4. Onions: The onions are sautéed to release their sweetness and aromatic flavor, which adds to the overall depth of the soup. They help to build the savory base of the soup along with the kielbasa and vegetables.

5. Sour Cream: The sour cream adds a silky richness to the soup, smoothing out the flavors and creating a creamy texture. It also provides a subtle tang that contrasts with the smoky kielbasa and balances the earthiness of the potatoes.

6. Marjoram: Marjoram is the traditional herb used in Kartoflanka and adds a warm, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor. It enhances the overall seasoning and helps bring the flavors together.

7. Fresh Dill: Dill is a key garnish for Kartoflanka, adding a fresh, herby flavor that complements the richness of the soup. It adds brightness and a pop of color to the dish, making it more visually appealing.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Kartoflanka

Step 1: Cooking the Smoked Kielbasa

Start by heating butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned. This step is important because it helps release the smoky, savory flavors from the sausage, which will infuse the soup base. Once browned, remove the kielbasa and set it aside.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onions and carrots. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until softened. The goal here is to bring out the natural sweetness of the onions and carrots, which will deepen the soup’s flavor.

Step 3: Adding Potatoes and Broth

Once the vegetables have softened, add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot. Then, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and stir in the marjoram, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. The potatoes should be soft enough to break apart slightly in the broth, helping to thicken the soup.

Step 4: Finishing the Soup

Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the sour cream, which will melt into the soup and make it creamy. Then, return the browned kielbasa to the pot, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the kielbasa to heat through.

Step 5: Serving Kartoflanka

Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped dill for a burst of freshness. A slice of rye bread on the side is the perfect accompaniment, allowing you to dip into the rich, creamy soup. The bread absorbs the soup, making every bite even more comforting and satisfying.

Customizations and Variations

Kartoflanka is a versatile dish that can be easily customized. Here are a few ways you can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences:

• Vegetarian Version: To make a vegetarian version of Kartoflanka, omit the kielbasa and use vegetable broth. You can add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor of the sausage.

• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick.

• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like leeks, celery, or parsnips to enhance the flavor profile and add more nutrients.

• Richer Soup: For an even richer texture, you can add a little more sour cream or even a splash of heavy cream to make the soup extra creamy.

Nutritional Information

Kartoflanka is a hearty, nourishing dish that provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Each serving is about 350 calories, with 20g of fat and 15g of protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The potatoes contribute 30g of carbohydrates, including 5g of fiber, which helps make the soup more filling. The kielbasa adds healthy protein, while the sour cream provides richness without overwhelming the dish. The sodium content is about 700mg per serving, which can be adjusted based on the type of broth used. This soup is also a good source of potassium, thanks to the potatoes and other vegetables.

Conclusion

Polish Potato Soup (Kartoflanka) is a classic, hearty dish that embodies the flavors of rustic Polish cooking. The creamy texture, smoky kielbasa, and savory vegetables come together in a soup that is both satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, preparing for cold weather, or simply craving something rich and flavorful, Kartoflanka is sure to warm your soul. It’s a dish that can be customized to fit your taste, and it’s always best when served with a slice of rye bread for dipping. Kartoflanka is a true representation of traditional Polish cuisine and an unforgettable meal for any occasion.