Imagine a steaming bowl of creamy, hearty goodness that transports you straight to the cozy kitchens of Germany with just one spoonful! This authentic Kartoffelsuppe is not just a soup – it's a culinary journey that combines simple ingredients into a magical, soul-warming experience that will make you fall in love with German comfort food. Whether you're looking to impress your family, chase away the winter chills, or simply indulge in a classic European recipe, this German Potato Soup is about to become your new favorite go-to dish!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: German
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by peeling and chopping potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes, finely dice the onion, and slice carrots into small, even pieces to ensure consistent cooking.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to prevent sticking and create a flavorful base for the soup.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, releasing their natural sweetness and aromatic qualities, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots to the pot and cook together with onions for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to develop a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Introduce the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the other vegetables, ensuring even coating and heat distribution.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the vegetables, making sure they are completely covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, partially mash some of the potatoes to create a thicker, creamier texture while leaving some chunks for variety.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, which will add richness and a luxurious smoothness to the soup.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning carefully to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes after adding cream to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish generously with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread or traditional German bread rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips
- Potato Perfection: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and creaminess. Cut them into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Flavor Building: Take your time when sautéing onions and carrots. The caramelization process is key to developing a rich, deep flavor base for your soup.
- Texture Trick: Partially mashing some potatoes creates a wonderfully creamy consistency while leaving some chunks for a rustic feel.
- Cream Caution: Add heavy cream at the end and avoid boiling to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
- Seasoning Secret: Start with less salt and pepper, then taste and adjust. The vegetable broth can already contain salt, so careful seasoning is crucial.
- Garnish Game: Fresh chives aren't just a garnish – they add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy soup.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 60mg
