Traditional German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe)
Traditional German Potato Soup, or Kartoffelsuppe, is a comforting and delicious dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This creamy and hearty soup is made primarily with potatoes and a variety of fresh vegetables. Not only is it a warm and satisfying meal, but it also brings a touch of German tradition to your dining table. What makes this recipe even more appealing is that it is packed with nutrients making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
One of the standout features of this traditional recipe is its versatility as a lighter option compared to many other soups. With its vegetables and hearty potatoes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week as a quick, high protein meal that is both tasty and fulfilling. It’s also a great dish for anyone looking to eat healthier, as it is gluten-free and can be made to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you’re aiming for weight loss or simply want a comforting meal, Kartoffelsuppe can be adapted to fit your needs.
HOW TO MAKE Traditional German Potato Soup
Making Traditional German Potato Soup is straightforward and enjoyable. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you will have a delicious meal ready in no time.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large pot
- Blender (immersion blender preferred)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Ladle
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 leek, sliced and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 5 cups (1.2L) vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 8 oz (225g) smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Chop the veggies: Start by dicing the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. Slice and rinse the leek to remove any dirt.
- Sauté: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, leeks, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer: Once the veggies are soft, add the diced potatoes, broth, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend: Remove the bay leaves and use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer some soup to a regular blender and then back to the pot.
- Finish: Stir in the heavy cream and smoked sausage. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Heat through and it’s ready to serve!
HOW TO SERVE Traditional German Potato Soup
When serving Kartoffelsuppe, it can be a great idea to add a dollop of fresh parsley on top for added color and flavor. Portion control is essential, especially if you’re watching your calories. A typical serving is about 1.5 to 2 cups, which is a satisfying amount without overdoing it.
Pairing this soup with a light side salad can elevate your meal while keeping it balanced. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette is not only healthy but also refreshing alongside the creamy soup.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Traditional German Potato Soup
This soup is perfect for storage! You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it slowly in a pot on the stove.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
To make your meal even healthier, consider serving your Kartoffelsuppe with a side of whole-grain bread or a mixed green salad. These options provide extra fiber and nutrients, making for a balanced meal that is satisfying and enjoyable.
VARIATIONS
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Healthier Version: To make a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a low-fat milk alternative. This provides creaminess without the added calories.
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High-Protein or Low-Carb Version: For a high protein meal, you can add more smoked sausage or even beans (for a vegetarian power-up!). If you’re looking for a low carb version, skip the potatoes and substitute them with cauliflower. Cauliflower provides similar texture while being lower in carbohydrates.
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Air Fryer or Oven-Baked Version: Although this soup is typically made on the stovetop, you can roast the vegetables in the air fryer first to enhance their flavors. Toss the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery with a bit of olive oil and spices and roast them until they are golden. Then add them to the broth for simmering.
FAQs
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Can I make this soup dairy-free?
- Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or use a plant-based milk such as almond milk. This will keep the soup creamy without the dairy.
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Is this soup suitable for diabetics?
- Traditional German Potato Soup can be made diabetic-friendly by controlling the portion size and opting for lower-carb vegetables or reducing the potatoes used in the recipe.
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How long can I keep leftovers?
- Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If freezing, they can last for up to three months.
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Can I add other vegetables?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add in vegetables such as peas or green beans to boost the fiber content and nutrients in the soup.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Traditional German Potato Soup
This Traditional German Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. This is ideal for busy weeks when you need a hearty and healthy version of a meal ready to go in just a few minutes. Simply reheat, serve, and enjoy a warm bowl of comforting goodness without the fuss of cooking from scratch each day.
By preparing this delicious and nutritious soup in advance, you can save time and ensure you have healthy meals on hand whenever hunger strikes! Enjoy the great flavors of German cuisine while keeping your meals balanced and wholesome with this fabulous recipe.
Traditional German Potato Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the veggies: Start by dicing the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. Slice and rinse the leek to remove any dirt.
- Sauté: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, leeks, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer: Once the veggies are soft, add the diced potatoes, broth, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend: Remove the bay leaves and use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy texture. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer some soup to a regular blender and then back to the pot.
- Finish: Stir in the heavy cream and smoked sausage. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Heat through and it’s ready to serve!