Cozy Traditional German Soup

Section: Comforting Soups & Stews: Warm Bowls of Flavor and Goodness

This classic German potato creation mixes spuds, seasonal veggies, and bacon chunks with garden herbs for a filling, satisfying bowl that gets tastier overnight.
iamcooker.com
Sofia Pitt sofia
Most recent update: Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:01:07 GMT
A bowl of hearty soup featuring potatoes, carrots, bacon, and herbs, served on a wooden surface with a patterned red cloth. Save
A bowl of hearty soup featuring potatoes, carrots, bacon, and herbs, served on a wooden surface with a patterned red cloth. | iamcooker.com

I've gotta tell you about my grandma's German Potato Soup that takes me straight back to those warm family get-togethers in Stuttgart! This bowl of Kartoffelsuppe combines veggies, bacon, and authentic German tastes into something that'll wrap you in comfort. The smell alone makes me feel like I'm back in my grandmother's busy kitchen.

Essential Components Breakdown

What makes this soup stand out is the Suppengrün veggie mix! Bacon with leek and celeriac create such a rich base. Mix in some tender Yukon Golds and strong chicken broth and you've got something truly amazing. I'm always thrilled watching simple foods turn into this heartwarming dish.

Different Area Styles

The Stuttgart style I grew up with features a clear, flavorful broth packed with bright veggies! I prefer this over the thicker versions from other areas since you can really see and taste each ingredient. When served, the colorful veggie mix looks absolutely stunning.

Cooking Steps

Bacon First
Cook your bacon until it's super crisp, then brown those onions in the drippings. Adding garlic will fill your home with an amazing scent!
Veggie Layering
The real transformation begins when you toss those vegetables into the bacon fat.
Let It Bubble
My most enjoyable part is watching everything come together as it slowly cooks away.
Finishing Up
Sprinkling fresh parsley brings a pop of green and crisp flavor!

Tricks For Great Taste

Don't skimp on your ingredients! The best veggies and a nice chicken broth will really change how this tastes. And here's a tip - this soup gets even better if you can wait a day before eating it!

Great Food Matches

Try dipping some chunky rye bread into this soup! Want the complete German feel? Grab a glass of cool Riesling wine to go with it - they're a match made in heaven.

Storage Advice

This soup tastes even better in the days after you make it! Just pop it in your fridge and warm it up slowly when you want some more. Just don't try freezing it though - the veggies won't taste as good.

What Makes This Special

You'll feel like you're getting a warm cuddle when you eat this! It's loaded with healthy veggies but still feels like a treat. It works for family dinners or just when you need something comforting to eat.

Personal Touches

I sometimes throw in bratwurst slices for a bigger meal or switch to veggie stock for my non-meat eating friends. Try adding a spoon of sour cream on top! You can easily change this soup to match what you like.

Healthy Benefits

This soup sneaks in tons of veggies in the tastiest way! Each bite gives you good nutrition but it's so yummy you won't even think about that part. It hits that sweet spot between feeling good and eating well.

A bowl of vegetable soup featuring diced potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and garnished with parsley.
A bowl of vegetable soup featuring diced potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and garnished with parsley. | iamcooker.com

Overview

This warming German potato soup brings together everyday ingredients like spuds, fresh veggies, and bacon bits. Each mouthful delivers authentic German kitchen magic, where fragrant herbs add richness and coziness to this family-style meal.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This soup actually gets more flavorful overnight when all the tasty elements have time to mingle and get friendly with each other.
→ What type of potatoes work best?
Go for waxy potatoes in this dish. They'll stay intact while cooking and give you just the right bite and feel in your mouth.
→ What is celeriac?
Celeriac's a knobby root veggie that tastes like celery. Can't find it? No worries - just throw in some regular celery stalks instead.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
You bet! This soup keeps well in the freezer. Just let it cool down completely before popping it in, then warm it up slowly when you're ready to eat.
→ Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure thing! Skip the bacon and swap chicken broth for veggie broth. Toss in a bit of smoked paprika to get that smoky depth you'd miss from the bacon.

Kartoffelsuppe Potato Bowl

A warming German potato dish brimming with garden veggies, smoky bacon, and garden-fresh herbs. This soul-warming meal tastes even more amazing reheated.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cooking Period
30 min
Entire Time Required
45 min
Sofia Pitt: sofia


Difficulty: Moderate

Regional Style: German

Output: 6 Portions (6 servings)

Dietary Attributes: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Needed Ingredients

01 8 ounces bacon, cut into small chunks.
02 1 large onion, diced.
03 1 clove garlic, finely chopped.
04 2 pounds firm potatoes, cut into small 1/4 inch cubes.
05 1 large leek, thinly sliced and rinsed well.
06 3 carrots, cut into small cubes.
07 1 1/2 cups cubed celeriac root.
08 2 tomatoes, cut into chunks.
09 6 cups flavorful chicken stock.
10 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves.
11 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary.
12 1/2 teaspoon ground marjoram.
13 3/4 teaspoon sea salt crystals.
14 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper.
15 1 bay leaf.
16 1/4 cup fresh parsley, snipped.

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Brown bacon till crunchy, then toss in onion and cook until soft and golden, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 02

Toss in garlic and let it cook for just a minute more.

Step 03

Throw in all other stuff except parsley. Let it come to a boil, turn down heat, put the lid on and let it bubble gently for 30-40 minutes.

Step 04

Stir in parsley and let bubble another minute. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Supplementary Details

  1. Flavors blend better when stored overnight.
  2. Perfect for advance cooking.
  3. Firm potatoes hold their shape best in this soup.

Necessary Tools

  • Big cooking pot or Dutch oven.
  • Good cutting knife.

Allergen Advisory

Review each item for allergens. Consult a medical expert if unsure.
  • Watch out for celery allergies due to celeriac.

Nutrient Breakdown (per serving)

This information is provided for reference and should not replace consultation with a health professional.
  • Caloric Value: 327
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • Proteins: 10 g