Traditional German Lentil Soup
Traditional German Lentil Soup – Linsensuppe
This Traditional German Lentil Soup is called Linsensuppe in Germany. In Germany, there is a saying that goes: “Serving lentil soup on New Year’s Eve will ensure you don’t run out of pennies in the coming year.” Therefore, it is traditionally served in many regions on New Year’s Eve to promote good luck.
Ingredients for Traditional German Lentil Soup:
- 454 g (1lb) of dried lentils
- 300 g (10.5 oz) of thick-cut applewood smoked bacon
- 200 g (7 oz) of diced onions
- 4 cloves of diced garlic
- 250 g (9 oz) of cut leeks
- 80 g (3 oz) of cut celery knob
- 150 g (5.25 oz) of cut carrots
- 3 large diced potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 2 cubes of Knorr vegetable bouillon
- 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
- 1 ½ l (1.58 qt) of water
- ½ l (16.9 oz) of water
Preparation:
Soak the lentils in 1 ½ l (1.58 qt) of water for at least 6 hours (or overnight). Cut the bacon in small pieces and fry it in a saucepan. Add the diced onions and garlic to it and fry until transparent. Add the cut leeks, celery, and carrots. Sauté all the ingredients together in your saucepan. Add in the lentils along with the remaining water and add another l it up with another ½ l (16.9 oz) of water, mix well. Dissolve the vegetable bouillon with a little water in the microwave and add it to the soup. Cover and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. Make sure to check on your lentil soup regularly and add water, if necessary. The lentils should always remain covered with water.
After simmering for 45 minutes, add two tablespoons of vinegar and 1 ½ teaspoons of salt to the soup and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
In the meantime, wash and peel your potatoes. First, cut them in slices, then in sticks, and then dice.
In a separate saucepan, add water and one teaspoon of salt, add in the potatoes and bring it to a boil. Make sure the potatoes remain submerged in water. After boiling for about 10 minutes, drain the potatoes in a colander.
Add your cooked potatoes to the lentil soup and stir. Your Lentil Soup is finished. Serve the Traditional German Lentil Soup with Oma’s homemade Potato Pancakes and Applesauce. To try the Split Pea Soup click here and the White Bean Soup click here.