Description
This Homemade German Bean Soup is a rustic and comforting dish full of creamy beans, hearty vegetables, and smoky bacon. A staple in German kitchens, this soup brings warmth to chilly days and serves as a nourishing, soul-satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 cup green beans, trimmed
1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or butter beans), drained
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained
3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook chopped bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the chopped Yukon gold potatoes. Pour in the broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the drained white beans, pinto beans, and green beans to the pot. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer a few minutes longer to meld the flavors.
6. Remove bay leaf. Stir in chopped parsley and the reserved bacon (save a bit for garnish).
7. Serve hot with extra bacon and parsley sprinkled on top.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use smoked paprika for that rich, smoky flavor.
If using dried beans, soak and cook them in advance to ensure they’re tender.
Soup too thick? Add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg