A Savory Comfort in Minutes!
If you’re looking for a quick, hearty meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, look no further than this Instant Pot Kielbasa, Cabbage, and Potato Soup. This soup is the perfect combination of smoky, tender kielbasa, soft potatoes, and cabbage, all enveloped in a savory broth. The beauty of this dish lies not just in its satisfying taste but also in how swiftly it comes together using the Instant Pot. Whether you’re short on time or just in the mood for something comforting, this soup will quickly become a go-to in your recipe rotation.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process, providing detailed steps and useful tips to make sure your Instant Pot Kielbasa, Cabbage, and Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To achieve the rich and robust flavor of this soup, it’s essential to gather all the right ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the balance of taste and texture:
- 1¼ lb smoked kielbasa, cut into 1” pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 2 carrots, chopped into ½” rounds
- 1½ cups celery, chopped into ½” pieces
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon table salt)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lb red potatoes, cut into 2 ½” pieces
- 1 small head green cabbage (about 1½ lbs), cut into 2-3” pieces
These simple, fresh ingredients are key to creating a soup that’s both hearty and flavorful. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious soup in your Instant Pot.
How to Make Instant Pot Kielbasa, Cabbage, and Potato Soup
1. Brown the Kielbasa
Begin by turning on the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Once the display reads “Hot,” add the smoked kielbasa pieces. Sauté the kielbasa until it is lightly browned, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to ensure the pieces cook evenly.
Browning the kielbasa brings out its natural smoky flavors, adding depth to the soup. Once browned, remove the kielbasa from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Discard any excess fat that may have rendered from the sausage.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent, stirring occasionally. While cooking the onion, use your spatula to scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits are full of flavor and will help enhance the broth.
If the bits are stubborn, add a splash of the chicken broth to help loosen them. This deglazing technique ensures you get all the flavor into the soup.
After the onions have softened, add the garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring well to prevent burning and to help the garlic release its aroma.
3. Build the Flavorful Broth
Now it’s time to add the broth and seasonings to build a rich, savory base for your soup. Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth and stir everything together. Then, toss in the bay leaf, Italian seasoning, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to make sure all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the broth.
4. Add Kielbasa, Potatoes, and Cabbage
Return the browned kielbasa to the pot, along with the red potatoes and cabbage. These ingredients give the soup its heartiness, with the cabbage adding a soft, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the kielbasa. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
5. Pressure Cook the Soup
With all the ingredients in place, it’s time to pressure cook. Cancel the Sauté function to stop the pot from continuing to heat. Then, secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the Steam Release knob to Sealing.
Press the Manual (or Pressure Cook) button and set the timer for 4 minutes on High Pressure. Note that it will take several minutes for the Instant Pot to build pressure before the timer begins counting down. Once the cook cycle ends, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.
When manually releasing the pressure, it’s a good idea to do it in bursts to prevent any soup from spewing out with the steam. Once the pressure pin drops, open the lid carefully.
6. Taste and Serve
With the lid open, give the soup a gentle stir and taste for seasoning. If needed, adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. The flavors should have melded beautifully, with the kielbasa’s smokiness, the potatoes’ earthiness, and the cabbage’s subtle sweetness coming together in a rich, flavorful broth.
Now, your Instant Pot Kielbasa, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it up in bowls alongside some crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal. This soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a make-ahead meal for the week.
Tips for Making the Best Kielbasa, Cabbage, and Potato Soup
Here are some pro tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time:
1. Choose High-Quality Kielbasa
Opt for a high-quality smoked kielbasa for the best flavor. The smokiness of the sausage is what gives this soup its distinct taste, so it’s worth using a good brand.
2. Don’t Skip the Browning
Browning the kielbasa and sautéing the vegetables beforehand add layers of flavor to the soup. The caramelization that occurs during browning enhances the richness of the broth.
3. Adjust the Texture of the Vegetables
If you prefer your vegetables to have a firmer texture, chop them into chunkier pieces. Pressure cooking can make vegetables soft, so a larger chop will help maintain some bite in the soup.
4. Use Low-Sodium Broth
Since kielbasa tends to be salty, using low-sodium chicken broth helps balance the overall saltiness of the soup. You can always adjust the seasoning at the end.
5. Meal Prep and Freeze
This soup is a great option for meal prep. It freezes well and can be stored in airtight containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This Instant Pot Kielbasa, Cabbage, and Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for any season. It’s nutrient-dense, thanks to the vegetables and potatoes, and provides a good source of protein from the kielbasa. Additionally, the cabbage adds a wonderful texture and flavor, while also providing fiber and essential vitamins. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to warm you up on a cold day, this soup will deliver on both flavor and convenience.