Origin Germany
German Potato Soup known locally as kartoffelsuppe is a classic comfort dish from Germany. It is warm creamy lightly seasoned and filled with tender potatoes vegetables and herbs. This soup is famous across German households because it feels nourishing and homely especially during cold weather. Every spoonful carries a gentle creamy texture with a mild earthy sweetness from the potatoes balanced by aromatic herbs.
Although the soup looks simple its depth of flavor comes from slow cooking fresh vegetables and using the right spices. German home cooks often customize it with carrots leeks celery and sometimes smoked sausage but the vegetarian version is equally rich and satisfying. This recipe explains every step in detail so you can create a smooth hearty bowl of German potato soup at home.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Soup Base
- 4 large potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots sliced
- 1 celery stalk chopped
- 1 leek chopped
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Half teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For Creaminess
- Half cup milk or cream optional
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Croutons optional
- A little olive oil for shine
Step by Step Method to Make German Potato Soup
Step 1
Sauté the Base Vegetables
- Heat butter in a deep pot.
- Add chopped onions garlic carrots celery and leeks.
- Sauté for four to five minutes until vegetables soften slightly and aroma develops.
This step creates the aromatic base of the soup.
Step 2
Add Potatoes and Broth
- Add cubed potatoes to the pot.
- Pour in the vegetable broth.
- Add salt pepper thyme and parsley.
- Stir everything and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 3
Slow Cook the Soup
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cover the pot and cook for fifteen to twenty minutes.
- The potatoes should become very soft.
Slow cooking allows flavors to blend and the soup to thicken naturally.
Step 4
Blend the Soup
- Use a hand blender to blend half of the soup directly in the pot.
- Leave the remaining half chunky for texture.
- Add milk or cream if you want a richer finish.
- Stir well.
The soup should look creamy but still have soft pieces of vegetables.
Step 5
Adjust Flavor and Serve
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Add chopped parsley for freshness.
- Drizzle a little olive oil for shine.
Serve with
- Bread rolls
- Toasted croutons
- Green salad
- Garlic bread
The soup feels warm filling and perfect for relaxing evenings.
Tips for Perfect German Potato Soup
- Use starchy potatoes for a creamier result
- Do not over blend keep some pieces for texture
- Add cream for richer taste
- Add smoked paprika for a deeper flavor
- Add more leeks for authentic German aroma
Variations You Can Try
- Add mushrooms for extra earthiness
- Add spinach for color and freshness
- Add sausage slices for non vegetarian version
- Add sweet corn for a sweeter twist
Approximate Nutrition per Serving
Values may vary
- Calories 200 to 300
- Carbohydrates 35g
- Protein 5g
- Fat 6g
