German Green Bean Soup

German Green Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that has been a favorite in many German households for generations. Packed with tender green beans, smoky bacon, and a rich, savory broth, this soup is perfect for chilly nights and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The addition of potatoes and sour cream gives it an extra layer of richness, making it both filling and satisfying.

This recipe is simple to make yet incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for your family, looking for a dish to impress guests, or meal prepping for the week, this German Green Bean Soup will meet your needs. The smoky bacon pairs wonderfully with the fresh green beans, while the creamy sour cream adds a silky texture to the soup. It’s the kind of soup that gets better the longer it sits, making it perfect for leftovers!

But what makes this soup truly unique is the balance of flavors. You have the savory bacon, the slight sweetness of the green beans, and the depth of flavor from the potatoes and vegetable stock. It’s a true symphony of ingredients that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This German Green Bean Soup

• Comforting & Hearty: It’s the kind of soup that will warm you up on a cold day and keep you full.
• One-Pot Meal: This soup is cooked all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the flavor combinations.
• Rich and Creamy: The addition of sour cream makes it luxuriously creamy without being too heavy.
• Great for Leftovers: Like most soups, it tastes even better the next day!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, make sure you have these essential kitchen tools:

• Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: This will be your go-to vessel for simmering the soup and combining all the flavors.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the bacon, onions, green beans, and potatoes.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir the soup as it cooks, ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of ingredients like stock, sour cream, and dried savory.
• Ladle: For serving the soup once it’s ready to be enjoyed!

Key Ingredients

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this rich and flavorful German Green Bean Soup (measurements provided in the recipe card below):

• Bacon (chopped into 1-inch pieces): Bacon adds a smoky depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch to the soup. The fat rendered from the bacon will help form the base of the broth, creating a rich and savory soup.
• Small Onion (finely chopped): Onion adds a subtle sweetness and savory aroma to the soup. It’s a great base flavor for many hearty dishes like this one.
• Green Beans (trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces): Fresh green beans give the soup a fresh and earthy flavor, with a bit of crunch even after they’re cooked. They’re the star of the dish and add a lovely texture to the soup.
• Potatoes (peeled and diced): Potatoes thicken the soup and make it more filling. They absorb the flavors of the broth, giving you a soft, comforting bite with every spoonful.
• Vegetable Stock: The base of your soup, vegetable stock provides a deep, savory flavor that complements the bacon and vegetables.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream gives the soup a creamy texture and tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the bacon and potatoes. It makes the soup silky smooth and comforting.
• Dried Savory (optional): Dried savory adds a unique herbal note to the soup. It’s a traditional herb in German cooking and gives the soup a distinctive flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the soup and bring out all the flavors.

Variations of German Green Bean Soup

While this recipe is already a winner, here are a few variations you can try to make the soup your own:

• Add Sausage: For a more filling, protein-packed meal, add sliced German sausage (like bratwurst) to the soup. It pairs wonderfully with the bacon and adds a savory, meaty flavor.
• Swap for Chicken Broth: If you prefer a lighter broth, use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock. This will still provide a rich flavor but with a slightly different taste.
• Creamy Version: For an even richer soup, you can add heavy cream or use a full-fat sour cream to make the soup extra creamy.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, throw in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an added kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions for German Green Bean Soup

Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients and the variations, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a warm, hearty bowl of German Green Bean Soup. This recipe is straightforward, and the most time-consuming part is the simmering. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

1. Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking the bacon in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. The bacon will release its fat and become crispy. Stir occasionally to ensure the bacon cooks evenly on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot — this will serve as the base for your soup’s flavor.

2. Sauté the Onions

In the same pot, add the chopped onions to the bacon fat. Cook the onions over medium heat until they become soft and translucent. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning. The caramelized onions will add a sweet and savory flavor to the soup base.

3. Add the Potatoes and Green Beans

Next, add the diced potatoes and chopped green beans to the pot. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables with the bacon fat and onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the potatoes and green beans to slightly soften before adding the stock.

4. Pour in the Vegetable Stock

Now, it’s time to add the vegetable stock to the pot. Pour in enough stock to cover the vegetables (about 4 cups), and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are cooked through. Stir occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly.

5. Stir in the Sour Cream and Bacon

Once the soup has simmered and the potatoes are tender, it’s time to finish it off. Add the crispy bacon back into the pot, stirring to combine. Then, stir in the sour cream. The sour cream will give the soup a creamy texture and add a slight tang to balance out the richness of the bacon and potatoes.

6. Season with Savory, Salt, and Pepper

Add the dried savory (if using), along with salt and pepper to taste. The savory will add an earthy, herby note that complements the other flavors. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a more robust flavor, feel free to add extra savory, or use more salt and pepper for a bolder taste.

7. Simmer for an Additional 10-15 Minutes

Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. You’ll notice the soup will thicken slightly from the potatoes, and the sour cream will make it nice and creamy. Once everything is well combined, your German Green Bean Soup is ready to serve!

How to Serve German Green Bean Soup

This German Green Bean Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few serving ideas:

• Serve with Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. You can also serve it with a loaf of freshly baked German bread, like rye or sourdough, for an authentic touch.
• Pair with a Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this rich soup.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: If you want to add a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some fresh parsley or thyme over the top of your soup before serving.
• Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: For extra creaminess, garnish the soup with a spoonful of sour cream. It enhances the soup’s flavor and makes it even more indulgent.

Storing and Reheating German Green Bean Soup

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftover soup (though it’s hard to imagine with how delicious it is!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup will continue to develop its flavors as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing:

To freeze the soup, let it cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Tips for the Best German Green Bean Soup

• Use Fresh Green Beans: For the best texture and flavor, opt for fresh green beans. If you can’t find fresh, frozen green beans will also work well, though the texture may be slightly softer.
• Don’t Skip the Bacon: The bacon adds a deep, smoky flavor that’s essential to the soup’s taste. If you want to make it a little lighter, you can reduce the amount of bacon, but don’t omit it entirely.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can add more sour cream or even a splash of heavy cream for a richer texture.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to experiment by adding other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or even leeks, for extra flavor and color.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans work well in this recipe. Just note that they may become a bit softer than fresh beans, but the flavor will still be great.

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, celery, or even leeks to enhance the soup’s flavor and texture.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Nutrition Information for German Green Bean Soup

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250 kcal
Protein	10g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	3g
Sodium	600mg
Cholesterol	20mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of bacon or sour cream. Feel free to adjust for any substitutions or portion sizes.

Conclusion

This German Green Bean Soup is the perfect cozy dish to enjoy with family and friends. Its hearty blend of smoked bacon, fresh green beans, and creamy sour cream makes for a comforting meal that satisfies every taste bud. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to please.

The best part about this soup is its versatility. You can customize it by adding different vegetables, using chicken or turkey bacon, or even swapping in heavy cream for an extra decadent twist. With a quick and simple prep and cook time, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of soup that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.