Okay, let’s dive into a hearty bowl of comfort with a simple nutrition twist!
I remember the first time I made German Potato Soup. My youngest was going through a super picky phase, and I was desperate for something, anything, that wasn’t chicken nuggets! I stumbled upon a Kartoffelsuppe recipe online and thought, “Potatoes? Even my picky eater likes potatoes!”
The first batch wasn’t perfect – a little too bland. But, I tweaked it, added some smoked paprika and a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess and a nutrition boost. The kids devoured it! That’s when I realized how versatile and nourishing German Potato Soup could be.
Now, it’s a regular in our rotation. It’s one of my favorite German soup recipes. It’s packed with veggies, filling, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables. It makes a great easy potato soup choice on any busy weeknight.
For all my fellow busy moms seeking sanity-saving nutrition, this one’s for you. This German Potato Soup supports my family’s nutrition because it sneaks in extra veggies and uses simple, wholesome ingredients. Let’s get cooking together!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need for this heartwarming German Potato Soup. I promise, the ingredient list is straightforward because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! Trust me, this creamy potato soup comes together easily.
- 6 cups chicken broth: Feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. I always keep low-sodium broth on hand.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: You can also use avocado oil.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Onions are full of antioxidants.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and extra vitamins.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Celery adds a great depth of flavor.
- 4 cups Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed: I prefer Yukon golds for their creamy texture, but Russets work, too.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: This is my secret weapon for adding a smoky flavor.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Thyme adds a lovely earthy note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be afraid to season generously!
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional): For a richer soup. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a tangy, healthier alternative. Using yogurt is a German Potato Soup nutrition hack that changed our family’s health…
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Bacon or sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional): For extra protein and flavor.
You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. No need to hunt down fancy ingredients for this German Potato Soup. This Authentic potato soup proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. My family gets extra nutrition when I add some chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get cooking! This German Potato Soup is surprisingly simple to make. I’ll walk you through it step-by-step, just like we’re in the kitchen together. I always start with a clean kitchen and my favorite playlist!
Instructions:
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the base flavor of your German Potato Soup starts to build.
- Add the Potatoes and Spices: Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and thyme to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious German Potato Soup usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Don’t worry if your German Potato Soup looks a little chunky at this point – that’s what we want.
- Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until desired consistency. Be careful when blending hot liquids! Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. This step is totally up to you and your family’s preference. I usually blend about half of the soup for a creamy texture with some chunks of potato. Here’s where I used to struggle with my German Potato Soup – I would over blend. Learn from my experience!
- Add Cream (Optional): Stir in the heavy cream or Greek yogurt (if using) and heat through. Do not boil. This adds a lovely richness and creaminess to the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Your German Potato Soup should smell nourishing by now.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and cooked bacon or sausage (if using). Serve hot and enjoy! While your creamy potato soup is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!
That’s it! See, I told you it was easy. This German Potato Soup is a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Here’s a Kartoffelsuppe recipe shortcut that I learned from my mom: pre-chop the veggies on Sunday to save time during the week.
How We Love to Eat This!
This German Potato Soup is a dinnertime nutrition win in our house! We have so many ways we love to enjoy it. I love how versatile this soup is.
The kids devour this nutritious German Potato Soup when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread for dipping. It’s also great with a side salad for a lighter meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette is a perfect complement. I’ve also found that adding a swirl of pesto on top makes it extra appealing to the kids.
This German Potato Soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! I often make a big batch on Sunday and then we can enjoy it throughout the week. Leftovers are fantastic! I pack them in thermoses for the kids’ school lunches or enjoy them myself for a quick and easy lunch. This Authentic potato soup can be made ahead of time for added flavor.
During the colder months, I love to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat. In the summer, I sometimes top it with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh chives. I once served this creamy potato soup to a group of friends, and they raved about it! They couldn’t believe how easy it was to make something so delicious and nourishing. This nutritious German Potato Soup reminds me of another family-healthy favorite, this Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions I get about this German Potato Soup. I hope these answers help you feel confident and ready to make this nourishing soup for your family.
Is this German Potato Soup really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates for energy, and this soup is packed with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, which provide essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, you can always add extra veggies to boost the nutrition even more. For added nutrition, you could try this Roasted Garlic Potato Soup that is just as yummy.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy German Potato Soup?
Ah, the age-old question! My advice is to start small. Offer them a tiny taste and don’t pressure them to eat more. You can also try blending the soup completely smooth to hide the veggies. Serving it with something they already love, like grilled cheese, can also help.
Can I meal prep this German Potato Soup for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing it.
Can I make this German Potato Soup vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. To make it vegan, omit the cream or use a plant-based cream alternative. You can also skip the bacon or sausage.
What are some other variations I can try with this German Potato Soup?
The possibilities are endless! You can add different vegetables, such as leeks, parsnips, or sweet potatoes. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cumin, coriander, or turmeric. For even more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out this Turmeric Chicken Soup.
Is this German Potato Soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels of your broth and any added ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
How can I make this German Potato Soup even creamier?
If you want a super creamy soup, you can add more heavy cream or Greek yogurt. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of butter at the end of cooking. Remember that the potatoes themseleves will make this easy potato soup creamy.
Final Thoughts:
This German Potato Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s a simple, nourishing way to feed your family without the overwhelm. I hope this Kartoffelsuppe recipe becomes a staple in your home, just like it is in mine.
My German Potato Soup Nutrition Hacks
- Sneak in extra veggies: Finely chop or blend in extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or cauliflower.
- Use bone broth: Bone broth adds extra protein and collagen, making the soup even more nourishing.
- Top with healthy fats: A drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of avocado adds healthy fats and makes the soup more satisfying.
Here are some family-tested healthy German Potato Soup variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese at the end.
- Herby: Add a generous amount of fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley.
My husband loves the spicy version, while the kids prefer the cheesy one. I personally love the herby version with lots of fresh parsley and dill. I really do like to add more herbs to any of my German soup recipes.
Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Cooking should be fun and stress-free. I hope this German Potato Soup brings your family joy and nourishment. You’ve got this, mama! Go and make this nourishing German Potato Soup today!
German Potato Soup
This creamy and comforting German Potato Soup is packed with flavor from bacon, onions, and a touch of nutmeg. A hearty and satisfying meal perfect for a chilly day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook in the bacon grease until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the cubed potatoes, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the cooked bacon and fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use smoked bacon. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.