Instant Pot Kielbasa, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of smoky kielbasa, tender cabbage, and creamy potatoes makes this soup a complete comfort food that comes together quickly in the Instant Pot. Here’s how to make it!
Instant Pot Kielbasa, Cabbage, and Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy finish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the sausage and veggies:
- Turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add the olive oil (or butter) to the pot.
- Once the oil is hot, add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add the remaining ingredients:
- Pour in the chicken broth, and then add the diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Pressure cook:
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to Sealing.
- Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (or Manual) on high for 10 minutes.
4. Release pressure:
- Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure by turning the valve to Venting.
5. Finish the soup:
- Carefully open the lid. If you’d like a creamy soup, stir in the heavy cream at this point, and then taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
- For a thicker soup, you can mash a few of the potatoes directly in the pot with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh parsley or shredded cheese for an extra touch!
Tips:
- Add a Kick: For a little heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetable Variations: You can add carrots or celery to the soup for more veggies if you like.
- Make it Spicy: For a spicier soup, use spicy kielbasa or add a little cayenne pepper.
This Instant Pot Kielbasa, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is super easy to make and packed with comforting flavors. The kielbasa adds a savory, smoky depth, while the cabbage and potatoes soak up all the tasty broth. Plus, the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Do you plan on pairing it with any sides, or are you enjoying it on its own?