A Deliciously Tasty German Green Bean Soup Recipe
This German green bean soup recipe is as easy as it gets. It is a great option for any family that is looking for a tasty meal that can be thrown together quickly. It does not matter what time of year it is, either.
Thanks to the recipe, you will have a great rapid meal idea for any season of the year.
These soups, which are known as Grüne Bohnensuppe in the native language, is not only delicious….it serves as a truly complete meal. The best part of all is that there are no shortage of variations that we can come up with at home. The only limits in these scenarios are the ones that we place on ourselves.
It all starts with the base recipe and from there, it becomes easier to do some experimenting as you become more accustomed to preparing the dish. Best of all, you can even stash some of this soup for later, if you so choose. It is able to be pressure canned.
This allows us to store some of this delicious German green bean soup for future servings. Now, for a closer look at the base recipe!
How to Make this Deliciously Tasty German Bean Soup Recipe
When we make this delicious (yet simple) soup, we are able to highlight the flavor of the green beans that we have chosen. It is a well spiced, filling soup that is sure to keep you full and warm, no matter the season. It can work well as a lighter lunch or a more filling dinner, depending on the embellishments that are added.
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total prep/cooking time: 50 minutes
- Serves: 8
List of Ingredients To Make German Green Bean Soup
- 1 1/2 pounds green beans
- 1 pound potatoes (approximately 4 medium sized potatoes)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 small celery root
- 1 leek
- 2 carrots (medium sized)
- 5 ounces pancetta bacon (more or less, depending on taste)
- 1 teaspoon oil
- Vegetable broth (approximately 8 cups)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped savory
- salt (add for personal taste)
- pepper (add for personal taste)
How To Make German Green Bean Soup: Step By Step
- To get started, get all of your ingredients ready. Peel your potatoes and dice up those peeled onions.
- From there, brown the ground beef. This is when the onion is added. You will want to saute until the onion has had the chance to become totally translucent. Does it need to be golden brown? No, but if that happens, it is not the end of the world. This simply makes the finished product all the more flavorful. Once this step is complete, you can add the remaining ingredients.
- When the broth is added, make sure that you have a wooden spoon on hand. This is how all of the browned up pieces that typically collect at the bottom of the pit are gathered up. The flavor is what takes the soup to the next level. This is when the mixture is then brought to a boil.
- After the boil is achieved, it is time to reduce the heat level and cover it up. Place the soup on simmer at this time. Let the soup remain on simmer until the vegetables have been given enough of a chance to get tender. If you are pressed for time, do not worry. The process is only going to take roughly 15 minutes to complete.
- As soon as the veggies have gotten tender, we have reached the best part of the proceedings. This is your chance to choose how the soup is going to be served. Some may decide that they want it creamy, while others would rather have it with a clear broth. Your decision will probably depend on what meal the soup is being prepared for.
Additional Notes
Let’s say that the soup is being served as an appetizer or a lighter lunch. If so, clear broth is the best choice. Creamier soups are better for those who are looking for a more hearty meal once dinnertime rolls around.
If you do decide to make this a main meal, instant mashed potato flakes should be added, as they will make the soup even thicker.
How To Store German Green Bean Soup
If you are looking to have easy dinners and lunches for days to come, these leftovers can be stored without much hassle. All you need is an airtight container with a lid to get started. The soup can be stored in your fridge for a period at least 2 to 3 days. Others may decide that they wish to make extras that can be taken out at a later date.
This process is simple enough as well. As long as you have freezer safe containers, you can freeze your German green bean soup and have it whenever you like. Those who are looking to freeze a sizable amount of soup will want to make sure that they are taking the proper precautions, though.
It in your best interests to take the time to split it up into various portion sizes. This makes the reheating process even easier because you are able to easily take out the exact amount of German green bean soup that you are looking to eat and reheat it on the stove when you are strapped for time.
Additional Tips and Pointers
Fresh dill or parsley is a fantastic addition, owing to their bright green color. Bay leaves or garlic cloves are also great additions to the soup while it is still simmering. Meanwhile, there are those who prefer a more rich soup and in those instances, a dollop of sour cream is a great method for improving upon the finished product.
The soup makes for a great next day meal, so no worries there. Anyone who is looking to make a full meal out of the soup is best advised to pair it with some homemade bread. If you do not have any homemade bread on hand, rye bread is more than suitable.
Of course, no German green bean soup is complete without the addition of Bohnenkraut. This is what makes it a uniquely German dish. For those who have never used it before, it is known as summer savory. Those who are looking for some added color will typically opt for sliced carrots or some canned tomato chunks.
Others may choose to make this soup in a slow cooker instead. Once the onion and ground beef have been already been browned, this process is simple enough. Place all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and give them at least 6 hours to finish. That’s it, that’s all!
