German Potato Soup Recipe (Kartoffelsuppe)

German Potato Soup, also known as Kartoffelsuppe, is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for a chilly day. Packed with tender potatoes, savory vegetables, and flavored with herbs and often smoked sausage, this soup is a staple in German cuisine. Whether you're preparing a simple weeknight meal or serving it as part of a larger German feast, this soup is bound to impress. Let’s dive into a delicious, traditional recipe with tips, substitutions, and more.

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What is German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)?

German Potato Soup is a traditional soup made primarily from potatoes and vegetables, with variations across Germany depending on the region. In many areas, the soup is enriched with smoked sausage like Wiener or Knackwurst for added flavor. What sets this soup apart from other potato soups is its combination of leeks, celery, and carrots, which provide a nice base of earthy flavors. It's a thick, rustic soup that is incredibly versatile and filling, making it a great dish for any time of year, but particularly during the cooler months.

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Ingredients List for German Potato Soup

To make a delicious pot of German Potato Soup, gather the following ingredients:

1. Potatoes – 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
2. Carrots – 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
3. Leeks – 1 large leek, white and light green parts, thoroughly washed and chopped
4. Celery – 2 celery stalks, diced
5. Onion – 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
6. Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
7. Vegetable or Chicken Broth – 4 cups (use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
8. Smoked Sausage (optional) – 2-3 smoked sausages (like Knackwurst, Bratwurst, or Wiener), sliced into rounds
9. Bacon – 4 strips of bacon, chopped (optional for a more indulgent version)
10. Butter – 2 tablespoons, for sautéing the vegetables
11. Bay Leaf – 1 bay leaf for additional flavor
12. Thyme – 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
13. Marjoram – ½ teaspoon (optional, adds authentic German flavor)
14. Salt and Pepper – To taste
15. Parsley – Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
16. Heavy Cream (optional) – ½ cup for extra creaminess

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Substitutions and Variations

This German Potato Soup can easily be adapted to fit your dietary preferences and what you have on hand. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

1. Vegetarian Version: Skip the smoked sausage and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor without the meat.
2. Vegan Option: To make the soup vegan, use plant-based butter or olive oil and skip the cream or use a non-dairy milk such as oat milk or almond milk for a creamy texture.
3. Different Sausages: If you can't find German sausages like Wiener or Knackwurst, you can substitute them with other smoked sausages such as Kielbasa or even chorizo for a spicy kick.
4. Add Vegetables: Add extra veggies such as diced parsnips, turnips, or even cauliflower for a heartier soup. These blend nicely with the potato base and offer more nutrition.
5. Make it Creamy: For a more indulgent version, blend part of the soup and stir in heavy cream at the end. This adds richness and makes the soup more luxurious.
6. Spice it Up: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to make your own bowl of delicious German Potato Soup.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion, and slice the leeks into thin rounds. Be sure to wash the leeks thoroughly to remove any dirt between the layers.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Sausage (Optional)

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. If you're adding sausage, cook the sausage slices in the same pot for a few minutes until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat (use some of the bacon fat if you cooked bacon for extra flavor). Add the chopped onion, leeks, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Broth

Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir in the bay leaf, thyme, marjoram, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Blend Part of the Soup

For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, pulse until smooth, and return it to the pot. This step is optional but adds a velvety consistency while still keeping some of the chunky goodness.

Step 6: Add the Sausage and Bacon

If using sausage and bacon, return them to the pot and stir them into the soup. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm the sausage and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Add Cream (Optional)

For a richer soup, stir in the heavy cream and let it heat through for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or German-style pretzels.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Potatoes: Potatoes can become mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness by piercing them with a fork. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
2. Not Washing the Leeks Thoroughly: Leeks can trap dirt between their layers, so it’s important to wash them thoroughly before adding them to the soup. Rinse them under running water, separating the layers to remove any grit.
3. Skipping the Blending: Blending part of the soup adds a lovely creamy texture without needing to add too much cream or butter. If you want a thick and velvety soup, don’t skip this step!
4. Adding Cream Too Early: If you choose to add cream, do so at the end of cooking. Adding cream to boiling soup can cause it to curdle.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your German Potato Soup can elevate the overall experience. Here are a few tips:

1. Serve with German Bread: Pair the soup with traditional German breads like Brötchen (German rolls) or Pretzels for a more authentic meal.
2. Top with Crispy Bacon: Even if you’re not using bacon in the soup, a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor.
3. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a pop of color and flavor by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or chives.

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How to Serve German Potato Soup

German Potato Soup is a hearty and filling dish that’s best served as a main course. Serve it in warm bowls alongside some crusty bread, pretzels, or even a simple salad. This soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner or even for entertaining guests on a cold evening. It also stores well, so you can enjoy leftovers for a few days.

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Presentation Ideas for German Potato Soup

Presentation doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are a few ideas to make your soup visually appealing:

1. Rustic Look: Serve the soup in rustic, deep bowls or even in bread bowls for a true European feel.
2. Color Contrast: Garnish with green parsley or chives to contrast with the creamy yellow of the soup.
3. Layer the Garnish: Add the sausage slices on top of the soup, followed by crispy bacon bits, then finish with a sprinkle of parsley for a layered, restaurant-quality presentation.

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German Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prepping or making ahead. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or water as the soup tends to thicken as it sits.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup before adding the cream. When ready to eat, thaw it, reheat, and then add the cream just before serving to avoid curdling.
• Blending Tip: If using a traditional blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid accidents with hot liquid.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well in

this soup too. They give a slightly creamier texture, but russet potatoes are traditional for their starchy, thickening properties.

2. Can I freeze German Potato Soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the cream or sausage. Simply thaw and reheat it when needed, and stir in the cream and sausage just before serving.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Add all the ingredients except the cream and sausage to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Blend the soup once the potatoes are tender, then stir in the sausage and cream and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

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Conclusion

German Potato Soup, or Kartoffelsuppe, is a classic and comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days or whenever you need a satisfying, hearty meal. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and customizable ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it with crusty bread, garnish it with fresh herbs, and enjoy the taste of Germany in a bowl. Happy cooking!

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