Welcome to the world of authentic German comfort food! Today, we're making Kartoffelsuppe, or German Potato Soup, a beloved classic that warms the soul. This isn't just any soup; it's a staple in German households, especially during the colder months. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and heartiness, combining smoky bacon, sweet carrots, and earthy potatoes in a savory broth. Each spoonful is a taste of tradition, a simple, rustic dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Get ready to create a meal that's both nourishing and incredibly delicious!
German Potato Soup
Ingredients for German Potato Soup
- 100 g bacon
- 250 g potatoes
- 150 g carrots
- 120 g onion
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
- 1 L chicken broth
- 1 clove garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
How to Make German Potato Soup
Place the chopped bacon in a pot and heat over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the fried bacon.
Add the marjoram.
Slice the bacon into thin strips. Place a heavy-bottomed pot on the stove, add the chopped bacon, and heat over medium heat. Stir with a spatula until all the fat has rendered from the bacon. Leave the shkvarki (crispy pork fat cracklings) in the pot. You can also try substituting the bacon with smoked pork belly; soup with smoked meats is another hallmark of German cuisine.
Finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic clove. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the fried bacon. No oil is needed, as there is enough fat rendered from the bacon in the pot. If you are using pork belly with thin layers of fat, a little vegetable oil won’t hurt.
Sauté the onion until it reaches a caramel color, about 10 minutes over medium heat. Sprinkle in the marjoram. You can use other herbs like thyme, oregano, or hyssop.
Add the chopped carrots to the pot.
Wash the fresh carrots with a brush and peel them with a vegetable peeler. Dice the carrots into small cubes, similar to how you would for an Olivier salad (a popular Russian-style potato salad). Add the diced carrots to the pot with the sautéed onion.
Add the potatoes to the pot after the carrots.
Pour in the chicken or meat broth.
Cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
Peel the potatoes and dice them to the same size as the carrots. Add the potatoes to the pot after the carrots. Sauté the vegetables over high heat for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. For this recipe, choose a waxy potato variety that holds its shape well when cooked.
Pour in the chicken or meat broth.
Bring to a boil. Cover the pot with a lid to prevent the broth from evaporating. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, season with salt to your taste.
Ladle the hot potato soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Ladle the hot potato soup into bowls and serve immediately. It’s delicious sprinkled with well-toasted white bread croutons.
And there you have it – a steaming bowl of German Potato Soup, ready to be enjoyed! This dish is wonderfully versatile. For an even heartier meal, try adding some sliced German sausage like Bratwurst or Frankfurters during the last 10 minutes of cooking. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can also add a lovely finishing touch. We hope this recipe brings the cozy and comforting flavors of German home cooking to your table. Enjoy sharing this delightful soup with your loved ones!
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