Kielbasa and Potatoes is a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The smoky, savory kielbasa pairs perfectly with tender, golden potatoes, making it a simple, satisfying meal for any time of year. You can prepare this dish on the stove, in the oven, or even in a slow cooker. Here’s a simple recipe for Kielbasa and Potatoes:
Kielbasa and Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage (smoked or fresh, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
- 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water, for steaming)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the potatoes and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown on the outside.
- If your potatoes are browning too quickly, lower the heat and let them cook more slowly until they’re tender on the inside (about 15-20 minutes total). You may need to add a bit more oil if the pan gets dry.
2. Add the Kielbasa and Onion:
- Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) to the other side.
- Add the sliced kielbasa and chopped onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the kielbasa is browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir the kielbasa and potatoes together and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
- Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth (or water), scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits. Let the broth simmer and reduce for about 3-4 minutes, until the potatoes are fully tender and the flavors meld together.
4. Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you want more heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley (optional), and serve hot. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
Slow Cooker Variation:
If you prefer to make this in a slow cooker for a more hands-off approach:
- Add the potatoes, sliced kielbasa, onion, garlic, and chicken broth into the slow cooker.
- Season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Stir in fresh parsley right before serving.
Tips:
- Add Vegetables: For more veggies, you can add bell peppers, carrots, or green beans to the skillet during cooking.
- Smoked Kielbasa: The smoked kielbasa adds a lot of flavor, but if you’re using fresh kielbasa, you may want to brown it first and then simmer it for a bit longer to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Crispier Potatoes: If you like crispy potatoes, after the initial sauté, transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp up before mixing with the kielbasa.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or mustard to the dish before serving for an extra layer of tangy flavor.
This Kielbasa and Potatoes dish is super easy, packed with savory goodness, and comforting all around. It’s a great weeknight dinner that’s hearty enough to satisfy. Would you add any other seasonings or ingredients to customize it?
