German Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 lb (450g) potatoes, peeled and diced 1 lb (450g) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 slices bacon, chopped 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 4g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. 3.
   Add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. 4.
   Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
5. 5.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
6. 6.
   Serve the German Potato Soup hot, garnished with crispy bacon and fresh parsley or chives.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to dice the potatoes into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Bacon — Use thick-cut bacon for a smokier flavor, and cook it until crispy for added texture and taste.
• Heavy cream — For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less creamy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a chunkier texture, reserve some diced potatoes before blending the soup and add them back in after blending.
• Add a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or pretzels for a complete German experience.
• Customize the toppings by adding grated cheese, sour cream, or crumbled sausage.
• Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals.

Serving advice

Serve the German Potato Soup as a comforting main course for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a fresh green salad or a slice of warm bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

When serving the German Potato Soup, ladle it into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. Place a few crispy bacon bits on top for added flavor and texture. Serve the soup hot to fully enjoy its comforting qualities.