This German Potato Soup is warm, hearty, and oh-so-comforting! Made with smooth potatoes, onions, and a touch of creamy goodness, it’s perfect for chilly days.
I love how this soup fills your belly and warms your heart. It’s so easy to whip up; I often make a big pot and enjoy it all week long! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold for a creamy texture. If you’re out of these, any all-purpose potatoes will do, but they’ll be slightly less smooth.
Broth: Both vegetable or chicken broth work well for flavor. You can make it vegetarian by going for vegetable broth, or use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness in the soup.
Smoked Sausage: I love using kielbasa for its rich flavor, but you can swap it for a lighter turkey sausage or even leave it out for a vegetarian version. Adding some smoked paprika can bring a similar depth!
Carrots and Celery: These add great flavor and nutrition. You can use frozen vegetables if fresh ones aren’t available. Just adjust the cooking time since they may not need as long.
How Can You Get the Perfect Texture for Your Soup?
To get that creamy yet chunky texture, mashing some potatoes is key. It thickens the soup while still leaving some pieces for bite. Here’s how:
- After the potatoes are soft, take a potato masher or immersion blender and gently mash some of the potatoes in the pot.
- Leave plenty of chunky pieces for a rustic feel; you don’t want a totally smooth puree!
- Adjust the thickness as you prefer; you can always add more broth if it’s too thick!
Using these tips, you’ll have a comforting bowl of German Potato Soup that’s just right!
Delicious German Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies until they are tender and the onions are translucent, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step releases all those lovely flavors!
2. Add the Potatoes and Broth:
Next, toss in the diced potatoes and pour in your choice of vegetable or chicken broth. If you’re using caraway seeds for some extra flavor, add those now along with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir and combine well.
3. Cook the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently until the potatoes are soft and cooked through, which should be about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally!
4. Mash for Texture:
Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some of the potato pieces in the soup. This will thicken the soup slightly while keeping some nice chunks for a hearty texture. Remember, you want it creamy but not entirely smooth!
5. Cook the Sausage:
In a separate skillet, sauté the sliced smoked sausage over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. This enhances its flavor and gives it a nice texture!
6. Combine and Heat Through:
Add the browned sausage to the soup and stir everything together, letting it heat through for about 5 minutes. This will allow the sausage to mingle with all those comforting flavors!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. You want to ensure it’s as flavorful as possible!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your warm, rustic German Potato Soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping!
This soup is not only hearty but also perfect for any chilly day – savor every spoonful! 🥣✨
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can! While starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold work best for a creamy texture, any all-purpose potatoes will suffice. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Sausage?
No problem! You can substitute with any cooked sausage you have on hand, use turkey sausage for a lighter option, or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. Adding smoked paprika can mimic the smoky flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick after refrigeration, you can add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day ahead. Just let it cool completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove, and if possible, add the sausage just before serving to keep it succulent!
