Crock Pot Kielbasa Soup

Kielbasa Soup is one of our favorite fall/winter meals.  Growing up in a Polish neighborhood, I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to Kielbasa.  While the pre-packaged links at the grocery store will do fine for some recipes, we both prefer the flavor that the double-smoked kielbasa that we get from our local Polish Market gives this hearty soup. 

Crock Pot Kielbasa Soup

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. double smoked kielbasa, sliced in half lengthwise, then cut in half
• 58 oz. homemade Chicken Stock
• 15 oz. can pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 medium celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tsp. thyme
• 14.5 can diced fire-roasted tomatoes with liquid
• cooked rice

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in crock pot and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours, or until beans are tender. 
• Ladle into bowls, adding rice if desired. 
• Shredded cabbage would be a wonderful addition to this soup as well. 

Notes:

• We enjoy this soup with rice added to our individual bowls with Corn Bread Casserole on the side. 
• You can view a low-fat version of this recipe on my other blog, My Vintage Kitchen. 

I'll be linking this post to the following blog carnivals and linky parties: 

• Homemaker Monday