KETO KIELBASA SOUP WITH CAULIFLOWER
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
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14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
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1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
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3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
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½ medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
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Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra cheese
Ingredient Notes
Kielbasa Sausage: Use a high-quality smoked kielbasa. Check the label to ensure it’s low in added sugars.
Cauliflower: A perfect low-carb replacement for potatoes. It absorbs flavor beautifully while maintaining structure.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and body to the broth.
Cheddar Cheese: Thickens the soup slightly and enhances the savory flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa (5–7 minutes)
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Add sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides. This step builds flavor and adds depth to the soup.
Remove sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings behind.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (3–4 minutes)
In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until softened and slightly translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in smoked paprika and dried thyme.
Step 3: Add Cauliflower and Broth (15 minutes)
Add cauliflower florets to the pot.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until cauliflower is fork-tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Add Cream and Sausage (5 minutes)
Return the browned kielbasa to the pot.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Allow flavors to meld for 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish (2–3 minutes)
Lower heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and the soup becomes slightly thicker.
Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Final Texture & Serving
The soup should be creamy, slightly thickened, and packed with smoky sausage flavor.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to deepen.
Garnish with:
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Fresh chopped parsley
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Extra shredded cheese
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A dollop of sour cream
Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Cooking Intensities & Adjustments
Mild Version:
Skip red pepper flakes and use mild cheddar.
Bold & Smoky Version:
Add extra smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
Spicy Version:
Use spicy kielbasa and add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Tips for Best Results
1. Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower
It should be tender but still slightly firm to avoid a mushy texture.
2. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may affect smooth melting.
3. Adjust Thickness
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Thicker soup: Simmer uncovered 5 extra minutes.
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Thinner soup: Add ½ cup additional broth.
4. For Extra Creaminess
Blend 1 cup of the soup and stir it back into the pot.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months (note: texture may slightly change due to dairy).
Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Based on 6 servings.
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Calories: 390
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Total Fat: 33g
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Saturated Fat: 16g
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Protein: 18g
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Total Carbohydrates: 7g
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Fiber: 2g
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Net Carbs: 5g
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Sugars: 3g
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Sodium: 780mg
Nutrition values may vary depending on brand and portion size.
