To ensure a balanced flavor, rinse the sauerkraut before adding it to this soup. This tones down the intense sharpness of the sauerkraut and allows the smokey kielbasa and other aromatics to shine through.
Melt the butter in a large wide pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the kielbasa and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Add the onion, diced celery and potatoes to the pot and cook, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon, until the onion and celery are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the caraway seeds and sauerkraut and cook, scraping up any remaining browned bits, 1 to 2 more minutes. Add 6 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cover and bring to a boil. Uncover, reduce the heat to a rapid simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
Stir together the heavy cream and mustard in a small bowl. Once the potatoes are tender, reduce the heat to medium low and whisk the heavy cream mixture into the soup. Return the kielbasa to the pot. Increase the heat to medium and simmer until thickened slightly, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Divide the soup among bowls. Top with the chopped celery leaves and dill.
Tools You May Need
Photograph by Andrew Purcell
Tools You May Need
Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off
these links.