Description
Hearty German potato soup delights with creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and aromatic herbs from Bavaria. Comforting flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this classic European comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 4 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram (dried)
- 1 bay leaf
Proteins and Meat:
- 4 slices bacon or smoked ham, diced
- 2 to 3 German sausages (Bratwurst, Weiwurst, or knockwurst), sliced
Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:
- 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Render bacon or ham in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.
- Utilize the rendered fat to sauté aromatic vegetables including onions, garlic, leeks, carrots, and celery until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Dust flour over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to create a light roux and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in broth while whisking to prevent lumps, then introduce diced potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and marjoram. Simmer for 15-20 minutes at medium-low heat until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add sliced German sausages and allow them to heat through for an additional 5 minutes, infusing the soup with their robust flavor.
- For enhanced creaminess, gently stir in heavy cream, creating a luxurious texture and rich mouthfeel.
- Discard the bay leaf, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the soup’s taste profile.
- Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with reserved crispy bacon, chopped chives, or crunchy croutons for textural contrast.
Notes
- Swap bacon for smoked tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, smoky flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free flour like rice or almond flour for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring the roux remains smooth and thick.
- Choose low-sodium broth to control salt intake, allowing individuals to adjust seasoning according to their dietary needs.
- Prep vegetables in advance and store in airtight containers to reduce cooking time and streamline the soup-making process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg