Pierogi & Kielbasa Soup

 This is a very hearty soup.   If you like polish food, you are going to love this.  I would add a cup of drained sauerkraut, but I'm the only one in the family that likes it, so I don't put any in.   I don't add salt to this recipe, because of the bacon, and kielbasa in it.

PIEROGI & KIELBASA SOUP

(serves 6)

Ingredients:

*6 slices bacon, chopped

*1 (14 ounce) package kielbasa, cut about 1-inch thick

*1 tablespoon butter

*2 medium carrots, shredded

* 1 yellow medium onion, chopped small

*3 garlic cloves, minced

*1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 (32 ounce) container chicken stock

*1 (12.84 ounce) bag frozen miniature potato & cheese pierogis (or just cheese)

*1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 cup heavy cream

*1/4 cup sour cream

Directions:

~In a large pot, cook bacon until crisp, stirring often.

~Remove from pot and set aside (I place it on a paper towel lined plate to help remove extra grease).

~Add sliced kielbasa and cook until it starts to brown on both sides.

~Remove from pot and set aside (I place it on a paper towel lined plate to help remove extra grease).

~Add in onions and  carrots, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often.

~Add in garlic and cook for another minute.

~Drain grease.

~Add butter to pan and allow to melt.

~Add in flour and pepper, stir for about 1 minute.

~Whisk in chicken stock.

~Add in bacon and kielbasa.

~Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

~Add pierogis and cook for another 10 minutes or until pierogis are tender, stirring occasionally.

~Stir in heavy cream and sour cream.

~Simmer for another 10 minutes.

~Add in spinach and cook until it wilts.