Hearty German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe) Recipe for Cozy Nights

Cold winter nights call for a comforting german potato soup that warms you from the inside out.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a creamy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Potatoes become the star of this classic German comfort dish, bringing rustic charm to every spoonful.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet soul-satisfying recipe passed down through kitchens across Germany.

Rich broth mingles with tender potato chunks, creating a delightful texture that feels like a culinary hug.

Subtle herbs and a touch of cream elevate this soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Savor each bite and let the warmth of traditional german cooking embrace you completely.

German Potato Soup Prep Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 2: Build the Soup Foundation

• Diced potatoes
• Sliced carrots
• Chopped leeks
• Vegetable broth
• Water

Sprinkle in marjoram and drop in a bay leaf for depth of flavor.

Step 3: Simmer and Soften

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Let the soup gently simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become perfectly tender and the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Pluck out the bay leaf.

Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup, creating a mix of smooth base and chunky vegetable pieces for an interesting texture.

Step 5: Add Protein Boost

Stir in sliced sausages and let them warm through for 5-7 minutes, infusing the soup with extra richness and heartiness.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy this comforting German classic.

German Potato Soup Crafted With Pro Insight

• Add a splash of white wine or dry sherry during sautéing to enhance the soup's complex taste profile.
• Blend only half the soup to maintain a perfect balance between creamy and chunky consistencies.
• Use traditional German bratwurst or smoked sausage for authentic flavor, or choose vegetarian alternatives for plant-based diets.
• Substitute fresh marjoram with dried if needed, and consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth and depth.
• Replace dairy butter with olive oil and use gluten-free vegetable broth to make the soup suitable for various dietary restrictions.

Preserve German Potato Soup After Serving

• Store leftover German potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, preserving its delicious flavors and hearty texture.
• Warm the soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain its creamy consistency.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months for a quick future meal.
• Defrost frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the original thickness.

Pairings for German Potato Soup

• Crush Hearty German Beer: Pair this rich, creamy potato soup with a classic German pilsner or wheat beer. The crisp, malty flavors complement the soup's robust texture and cut through its creaminess.
• Slice Rustic Rye Bread: Serve thick slices of traditional German rye bread alongside the soup. Its dense, slightly tangy profile provides the perfect dipping companion and adds extra heartiness to the meal.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herb Garnish: Top the soup with chopped fresh parsley or chives. These bright, green herbs add a vibrant freshness that balances the soup's deep, comforting flavors and provides a pop of color.
• Match Sharp Mustard Condiment: Offer a small dish of spicy German mustard on the side. Its tangy, sharp bite enhances the sausage's flavor and gives diners a zesty optional accent to their soup.

German Kartoffelsuppe Remixes

• Vegetarian Soup Swap: Replace sausages with plant-based protein like cubed tofu or tempeh, adding smoked paprika for a rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure vegetable broth is certified gluten-free and skip traditional sausages, substituting with gluten-free sausage alternatives.
• Low-Carb Version: Reduce potato quantity and incorporate cauliflower as a partial replacement, maintaining similar creamy texture while decreasing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter and skip cream-based additions, ensuring the soup remains light and flavorful with vegetable broth base.

FAQs

• What is the key to achieving the perfect texture in German potato soup?

The secret is partially blending the soup, leaving some potato chunks for a rustic, hearty texture that captures the traditional German style.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the sausages and use vegetable broth. You can add plant-based protein like tofu or extra vegetables to maintain the soup’s heartiness.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal. They break down nicely and help create a creamy consistency while maintaining some chunks.

• Is marjoram essential to the recipe?

While marjoram is traditional in German cuisine and adds authentic flavor, you can substitute with thyme or oregano if marjoram is unavailable.

What Makes German Potato Soup Recipe Comforting

• Quick Comfort Cuisine: Whip up this hearty German potato soup in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Magic: The clever blending technique creates a creamy base with delightful vegetable chunks, giving the soup a rustic, homemade feel that feels both smooth and substantial.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like carrots, potatoes, and sausages, this soup offers a nutritious one-pot wonder that pleases everyone at the dinner table.
• Versatile Winter Warmer: Ideal for chilly evenings, this traditional German soup delivers warmth and comfort, making it a go-to recipe for cold days and cozy family gatherings.

German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe) Essentials

• Potatoes: Hearty and starchy base that gives the soup its classic thick texture, russet or waxy varieties work well.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Leek: Provides a mild onion-like flavor with delicate earthiness, white and light green parts are best.
• Onion: Builds depth of flavor and aromatic foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: Offers robust, pungent undertones that enhance overall taste.

• Vegetable Broth, Water: Creates the soup's liquid base with balanced vegetable flavor, homemade broth is ideal for richer taste.

• Sausages: Authentic German touch providing smoky, meaty protein, traditional bratwurst or frankfurters recommended.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps develop deeper flavor during initial cooking.

• Marjoram: Distinctive herb with subtle sweet and citrusy notes typical in German cuisine.
• Bay Leaf: Contributes subtle background complexity and traditional aromatic element.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the soup's overall taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh finish that adds color and light herbal note.

German Potato Soup (Kartoffelsuppe) Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty german potato soup (kartoffelsuppe) blends creamy potatoes with savory herbs, capturing the essence of comfort cuisine from Germany. Warm bowls of this classic soup invite you to savor rich flavors and traditional culinary warmth with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 sausages (preferably bratwurst or frankfurters), sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 leek, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped

Broth and Seasonings:

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon marjoram
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm the butter in a substantial cooking vessel over moderate temperature, allowing it to melt smoothly.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, gently sautéing until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
3. Layer in diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and delicately chopped leeks, creating a vibrant vegetable foundation.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and water, enriching the mixture with dried marjoram and nestling a fragrant bay leaf into the liquid.
5. Elevate the temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous bubbling point, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
6. Allow the vegetables to tenderize and meld flavors, approximately 20-25 minutes, ensuring they reach a soft yet slightly firm consistency.
7. Carefully extract the bay leaf, discarding it to prevent any bitter undertones.
8. Utilize an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a rustic texture with some remaining vegetable chunks.
9. Introduce sliced sausages into the warm soup, letting them heat thoroughly for 5-7 minutes.
10. Calibrate the seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper, tasting and adjusting to personal preference.
11. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface as a vibrant, aromatic garnish.
12. Serve piping hot, capturing the comforting essence of traditional German cuisine.

Notes

• Customize the soup’s consistency by adjusting the blending technique, leaving more or fewer chunks based on personal preference.
• Swap traditional sausages with vegetarian alternatives like plant-based sausages or smoked tofu for a meat-free version.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like celery or parsnips during the simmering process.
• Create a creamy texture without adding heavy cream by blending a portion of potatoes until smooth, providing a lighter yet rich mouthfeel.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg