1 pound kielbasa sausage*, sliced into bite-sized pieces 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 medium leeks, sliced into ⅛ inch rounds, white and pale green parts only 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced 1 stalk celery, diced 1 small green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces 3 cloves garlic, minced 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1 pound red potatoes, diced 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, homemade or store-bought 1 bay leaf Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper

Add sausage to a large stockpot and cook over medium-heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring and flipping occasionally, until the sausage is lightly browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a separate plate, and set aside. Add the olive oil, leeks, carrots and celery to the pan, and stir to combine. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the cabbage and garlic, and sauté for 4 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the stock, potatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, cooked sausage, and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the soup reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked and tender. Taste and season with a few generous pinches of salt and black pepper as needed. (Also, depending on how seasoned your sausage is, feel free to stir in a extra few teaspoons of Italian seasoning if you think it needs some extra flavor.) Serve warm. Or refrigerate in sealed containers for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.