FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE INGREDIENTS

1. Prep the Vegetables: Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Slice the Kielbasa: Thinly slice the Halal kielbasa into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.

SECOND STEP: COOK THE KIELBASA

1. Sauté the Kielbasa: In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and crispy around the edges. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set it aside.

THIRD STEP: SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES

1. Cook the Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion for about 4-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

FOURTH STEP: MAKE THE SOUP BASE

1. Add the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine and cook for about 2 minutes.
2. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

FIFTH STEP: FINISH THE SOUP

1. Add the Milk: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk to create a creamy base. Allow the soup to heat through for another 5 minutes.
2. Return the Kielbasa: Add the cooked kielbasa back into the pot. Stir to combine, and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your preferences.

SIXTH STEP: SERVE AND GARNISH

1. Serve the Soup: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to get a generous amount of kielbasa and potatoes in each serving.
2. Garnish: Top with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness and flavor. Serve with warm bread or a side salad if desired.