German Green Bean Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to German Green Bean Soup
German Green Bean Soup is a warm, hearty dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up, this soup combines the robust flavors of beef bacon with the freshness of green beans and the creaminess of sour cream. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to delight everyone at the table.
A Personal Story Behind My German Green Bean Soup Journey
Growing up, my grandmother would often prepare this soup during family gatherings. The savory aroma would fill the kitchen, drawing everyone closer as we eagerly awaited our bowls. Each spoonful was a reminder of the love and warmth that home-cooked meals bring. Now, every time I make this soup, I’m transported back to those cherished moments, sharing laughter and stories with loved ones.
What Makes This German Green Bean Soup Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out due to its unique blend of ingredients that create a rich and satisfying flavor profile. The combination of crispy beef bacon and tender green beans results in a delightful texture, while the addition of potatoes makes it filling. The sour cream adds a creamy finish that brings all the flavors together beautifully. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
The Full German Green Bean Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 slices beef bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, thinly chopped
- 1.5 to 2 pounds (750 grams to 1 kg) green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths
- 1 pound (250 grams) potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 to 4 cups stock
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried savory
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
Instructions
- In a medium to large saucepan, place the beef bacon and heat over medium-high heat. Tip: Make sure the pan is hot enough to render the fat from the bacon, which adds flavor to the soup.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then add the chopped onion. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent the onion from burning.
- Once the onion softens, add the green beans, potatoes, dried savory, salt, pepper, and stock. Tip: Adjust the amount of stock based on how thick you prefer your soup.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 20 minutes. Tip: You can test the potatoes with a fork; they should be easily pierced.
- Transfer about a third of the soup to a bowl. Tip: This step adds creaminess without pureeing the entire batch.
- Use an immersion blender to puree it, then add the sour cream and blend until smooth. Tip: If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but be careful with hot liquids!
- Return the pureed soup to the pan. Tip: Stir well to combine the textures.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Reheat for a few minutes without boiling. Tip: This helps to meld the flavors together.
- Remove the soup from the heat and ladle it into serving bowls. Tip: Garnish with parsley or additional bacon bits for a nice presentation.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for German Green Bean Soup
This soup can be paired with a variety of sides to enhance your meal. Consider serving it with fresh, crusty bread or a side salad for a light and refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, add some crusty rolls or a cheese platter. You can also customize this soup by adding other vegetables like carrots or peas, or even incorporating different herbs to suit your taste preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About German Green Bean Soup
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
No problem! Simply omit the beef bacon and use vegetable stock instead.
How long can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just make sure to leave out the sour cream before freezing, and add it back in when you reheat.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for sour cream.
German Green Bean Soup
Equipment
- Medium to large saucepan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices beef bacon, chopped Chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, thinly chopped
- 1.5 pounds green beans, trimmed and cut 1-inch lengths
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 to 4 cups stock
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried savory
- 1 to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a medium to large saucepan, place the beef bacon and heat over medium-high heat.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then add the chopped onion.
- Once the onion softens, add the green beans, potatoes, dried savory, salt, pepper, and stock.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Transfer about a third of the soup to a bowl.
- Use an immersion blender to puree it, then add the sour cream and blend until smooth.
- Return the pureed soup to the pan.
- Stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning. Reheat for a few minutes without boiling.
- Remove the soup from the heat and ladle it into serving bowls.
- Garnish with parsley or additional bacon bits, if desired, then serve.