Sauerkraut Soup (Kapustnyak)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 stick celery, sliced

1 medium onion, diced

2 medium carrots, chopped

3 medium potatoes, peeled & cubed

¼ cup quinoa, rinsed (optional)

8 cups chicken broth

2 cups water, or to taste

2-3 cups sauerkraut, triple rinsed & drained 

1 (15 oz) can white/black beans or both

1 bay leaf

pepper to taste

½ tsp parsley

½ tsp thyme

½ tsp basil

½ tsp marjoram

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp cayenne pepper

12 oz Kielbasa sausage, sliced (optional)

Homemade meatballs (~20):

1lb ground beef

1 small onion, minced

¾ tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves, minced

1 egg

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

½ tsp marjoram/thyme/parsley/dill