Chicken Kielbasa Potato Soup

 This is a very hearty soup.   Great meal on any given day.   You may want to put a dollop of sour cream on the top of your bowl of soup just to make it extra good.

CHICKEN KIELBASA POTATO SOUP

(serves 8)

Ingredients:

*1 tablespoon olive oil

*1 (10.5-13 ounce) package kielbasa, cut into bite size pieces

*1 medium yellow onion, chopped

*1 medium/large carrot, chopped

*2 stalks celery, chopped

*3 garlic cloves, minced

*1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

*1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite size pieces

*5 cups chicken stock

*3/4 cup whole milk

*1/4 cup heavy cream (can use whole milk)

*2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

*1 cup sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

~Heat a large stock pot over medium/high heat.

~Once hot, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.

~Add in 10.5 ounce package of kielbasa that have been cut into bite size pieces.

~Cook kielbasa until it is started to crisp up, stirring often (about 3-5 minutes).

~Remove kielbasa and set aside (do not drain grease).

~Add in 1 medium chopped onion, 1 medium chopped carrot and 2 chopped celery stalks, cook until softened (about 5-6 minutes).

~Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes and cook for another minute, stirring continuously.  

~Add in 1 1/2 chopped (bite size) potatoes, 5 cups chicken stock 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes.

~Bring to a boil.

~Reduce heat to simmer.

~Add in kielbasa and chicken, cover and cook until potatoes are tender (about 10-15 minutes).

~In a medium bowl add one cup of hot chicken stock (from the soup).

~Slowly whisk in 3/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream until well incorporated.

~Slowly stir back into soup.

~Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese until it is melted.