why make this recipe
Homemade German Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that warms you up on cool days. It’s packed with flavors from fresh ingredients and provides a nice blend of textures from the beans and vegetables. Plus, it’s easy to make and offers a taste of traditional German comfort food right in your kitchen.
how to make Homemade German Bean Soup
Ingredients :
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Directions :
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the butter to the pot. Sauté the diced onions until they are translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the diced potatoes, then pour in the broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the green beans, marjoram, black pepper, and salt. Simmer for another 12–15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the white beans and optional heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Turn off the heat, stir in the parsley, and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot, topped with the crispy bacon.
how to serve Homemade German Bean Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a simple side salad to complete the meal.
how to store Homemade German Bean Soup
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The soup will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make Homemade German Bean Soup
- For extra flavor, you can use smoked bacon or add a splash of vinegar at the end for a hint of acidity.
- Make sure to cut your vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot as they cook.
variation (if any)
You can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more beans or vegetables like carrots and celery for added nutrition and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just add them toward the end of cooking since they are already blanched.
Can I skip the cream?
Absolutely! The cream is optional and can be left out for a lighter soup.
How can I make this soup spicy?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños if you like a bit of heat in your soup.