german lentil soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
german lentil soup recipe
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The Best german lentil soup recipe

I’ve been making this German lentil soup recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. The first time I had it was at my Oma’s house, where she would serve it to me and my siblings when we were feeling under the weather.

It’s a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or when you need something nourishing. The lentils are so tender and flavorful, and the broth is rich and savory.

I love how easy it is to make, too – just sauté some onions and garlic, add in the lentils and broth, and let it simmer all day. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites to assist with.

They love scooping out the lentils with a spoon and watching them cook until they’re just right. As for me, I appreciate how versatile this recipe is – it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for serving at family gatherings.

And the best part? It’s ridiculously good for you, packed with protein, fiber, and all sorts of other nutrients that will keep you going all day long.

I like to serve it with some crusty bread or over rice, but however you take it, this German lentil soup recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household too.

German Lentil Soup

German Lentil Soup

4.6 from 1815 votes

This hearty German lentil soup is a comforting blend of earthy lentils, root vegetables, and savory broth. It is a traditional dish often enjoyed with sausages or crusty bread.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Optional Add-ins

4 small potatoes, diced
1/2 cup diced smoked sausage or ham

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4Add the rinsed lentils, broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and smoked paprika, then increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
5Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.
6The lentils should be tender but not mushy, and the soup will have thickened slightly.
7If using potatoes or sausage, add them after the first 20 minutes of simmering so they cook through.
8Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the red wine vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
10Serve hot with crusty bread or as a main course.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 18g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot before serving. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Watch Video Of How German Lentil Soup Works

This German lentil soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or want something hearty to serve at family gatherings. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – just refrigerate or freeze leftovers as needed and reheat whenever you need a comforting bowl of goodness.

You can also customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of broth – just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. My family loves helping me prepare this meal because we get to scoop out those delicious little morsels of lentil-y goodness together – it’s such a fun process!

And let’s not forget about all those wonderful health benefits… It’s honestly one of our go-to meals because we know we’ll be getting something nutritious while also enjoying something incredibly tasty.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About German Lentil Soup

Q: What type of lentils should I use in this recipe?

The best type of lentils to use in this recipe are green or brown lentils. You can also use red lentils if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker! Simply sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Q: How do I store leftover soup?

You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to this recipe! Some options include diced carrots, chopped celery, or sliced mushrooms.

Q: Why does this recipe call for beef broth?

The beef broth adds depth and richness to the soup. You can substitute it with vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian option.

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