Welcome to a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to Germany! This hearty German Lentil Potato Soup with Vienna Sausages is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day. Packed with nutritious lentils, tender potatoes, and savory sausages, this dish is as comforting as it is delicious. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a pot of this flavorful soup that serves four—perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Ready to discover the secret to this delightful recipe? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: German
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can Vienna sausages, sliced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain and set aside.
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size. Chop the onion finely and slice the carrots into thin rounds.
- In a large heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced carrots to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
- While the soup is simmering, drain the Vienna sausages and slice them into bite-sized rounds.
- When the lentils and potatoes are soft, add the sliced Vienna sausages to the soup. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to heat the sausages through.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris and ensure a clean flavor in your soup.
- Uniform Potato Size: Dice your potatoes into small, uniform cubes (about 1/2 inch) to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the step of sautéing the onions and carrots! This process enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to your soup.
- Simmer Gently: Once you add the vegetable broth and lentils, bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to simmer. This helps develop rich flavors without overcooking the lentils.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
- Garnish for Presentation: Consider garnishing your soup with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness!
- Leftovers Delight: This soup stores well in the fridge for a few days and tastes even better the next day. Perfect for meal prep or quick lunches!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
