German Lentil Soup
A hearty and comforting German classic, this Linsensuppe combines tender lentils, smoky bacon, and savory sausage with root vegetables in a tangy broth. A perfect one-pot meal for a chilly day, traditionally finished with a splash of vinegar for a bright, balanced flavor.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 55 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Render Bacon
- b.Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crisp, about 6-8 minutes.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the pot, discarding any excess.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the bacon fat in the pot.
- c.Sauté, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent, about 7-9 minutes.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build and Simmer Soup
- b.Add the rinsed lentils, diced potatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir everything to combine.
- c.Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Sausage and Finish
- b.Stir in the sliced Bockwurst and the reserved crispy bacon.
- c.Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 5-10 minutes to heat the sausage through and allow the flavors to meld.
- d.Remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaf.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Season and Serve
- b.Stir in the apple cider vinegar. This is key for the authentic tangy flavor.
- c.Taste the soup first, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. The bacon and broth add saltiness, so it's important to taste before adding more.
- d.Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The final splash of vinegar is essential for the authentic German taste; it cuts through the richness of the bacon and sausage. Don't skip it!
- 2For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to briefly pulse the soup a few times, or mash some of the potatoes and lentils against the side of the pot.
- 3This soup develops more flavor overnight. It's an excellent make-ahead meal for the week.
- 4If the soup becomes too thick upon storing, simply add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
- 5Serve with a slice of dark rye bread or a crusty roll for dipping.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Omit the bacon and sausage. Sauté the vegetables in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Use a hearty vegetable broth and add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the thyme to mimic the smoky flavor. Add a can of drained chickpeas for extra protein.
Different MeatsDifferent Meats
Feel free to use other German sausages like Frankfurters, Wiener, or Kielbasa. For a deeper, smokier flavor, you can simmer a smoked ham hock with the lentils and remove it before serving.
With SpätzleWith Spätzle
For an even heartier, more traditional meal, add a scoop of cooked Spätzle (German egg noodles) to each bowl before ladling the soup over it.
Creamy VersionCreamy Version
For a richer finish, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the very end, after removing the soup from the heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Fiber
Lentils and vegetables make this soup an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, regulating blood sugar, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Protein
With both plant-based protein from lentils and animal protein from sausage and bacon, this soup helps in building and repairing tissues, and keeps you satisfied for longer.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
The carrots, celery, and onions provide a good dose of essential nutrients, including Vitamin A for vision, potassium for heart health, and various antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 1.5-cup serving of this German Lentil Soup contains approximately 380-420 calories, depending on the type of sausage and bacon used. It's a well-balanced, satisfying meal.