German Sausage-Potato Soup
German Sausage-Potato Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with the savory flavors of smoked sausage and tender vegetables. The combination of stewed tomatoes and kidney beans adds a rich depth, making it perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings. It’s a satisfying meal that warms both the body and soul.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. smoked link sausage ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 3 c. water or broth ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. parsley ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the smoked link sausage in a pan and drain any excess fat.
- In a large covered soup pot, combine the browned sausage with all the remaining ingredients.
- Simmer the mixture for about an hour until the vegetables are cooked through.
- Serve immediately for a delicious meal, or let it sit for even better flavors the next day.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced green peppers or corn. You can substitute smoked sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter version. If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot. Adjust the spices according to your taste, or add a bit of cayenne pepper for a kick. This soup is versatile and can be customized like Elephant Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Crackling-Sausage Bread for a comforting dinner. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese on top for added flavor. This soup is perfect for leftovers, as the flavors deepen overnight.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Sausage-Potato Soup contains roughly 1751 calories, with 65g protein, 345g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (462% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1055mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of beans in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using canned beans, as they are already cooked. This flexibility allows you to tailor the recipe to your taste.
Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of water. Consider adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor and texture. This adaptation will still yield a delicious, hearty soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).