Teresa's Recipes
Linsensuppe - German Lentil Soup
Linsensuppe is a comforting and hearty German lentil soup that is a staple in homes during the colder months. It's a thick, rich soup made from earthy lentils, a medley of vegetables, and crispy bacon. The soup is seasoned with classic herbs like thyme and bay leaf, which impart a warm, aromatic flavor. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations and embodies the essence of German home cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons, finely chopped Parsley, fresh
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 6 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Thyme, dried
- 1 Bay leaf
- 2, diced Potato, medium
- 1 cup, rinsed Lentils, dried
- 2, minced Garlic cloves
- 2, diced Celery stalks
- 2, diced Carrot, medium
- 1, diced Onion, medium
- 6, chopped Bacon strips
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Be careful not to burn it. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, but keep the bacon fat in the pot for extra flavor.
- Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon fat. Stir and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rinsed lentils, diced potato, bay leaf, thyme, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 45 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Once the lentils are tender, remove the bay leaf from the soup. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree about half of the soup until smooth. This will give the soup a creamy consistency while still retaining some texture.
- Return the crispy bacon to the pot and stir to combine. Let the soup cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Linsensuppe hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy with a slice of hearty German bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use a little olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
- Try adding other vegetables such as leek or bell peppers for additional flavors.