German potato soup, or Kartoffelsuppe, is the kind of humble comfort food that never needs much explaining. This version is inspired by former German chancellor Angela Merkel, who once named homemade potato soup as one of her favorite meals, especially when made with potatoes from her own garden.
Simple, creamy, and deeply satisfying, this potato leek soup is made with firm potatoes, onions, leeks, broth, cream, dried marjoram, and a touch of Düsseldorf-style mustard. It is the kind of German soup that works for a cozy lunch, light dinner, cold-weather meal, or simple family supper.
What Is Kartoffelsuppe?
Kartoffelsuppe means potato soup in German. It is one of Germany’s classic comfort soups, usually made with potatoes, onions, leeks or soup vegetables, broth, herbs, and sometimes cream or sausage. Depending on the region and household, German potato soup can be chunky, smooth, rustic, creamy, vegetarian, or served with sliced sausages.
This version is smooth and creamy, with leeks, marjoram, and mustard giving it a distinctly German flavor.
Why Is This Called Angela Merkel Potato Soup?
Angela Merkel once said homemade potato soup was one of her favorite meals, especially when made with potatoes from her own garden. The recipe was later adapted by Zeit Magazin food editor Elisabeth Raether in Merkel’s honor.
This recipe connects everyday German home cooking with one of Germany’s best-known modern public figures.
Angela Merkel Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 onions, small
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 pinch salt
- 28 oz firm potatoes (800g)
- 1 leek
- 5 cups vegetable or meat broth (1.25 liter)
- 4 fl.oz whipping cream (110g)
- 1 tsp extra hot mustard (Düsseldorf style)
- 2 tsp marjoram, dry
Instructions
- Peel and dice onions
- Peel potatoes, cut into cubes
- Clean leek, cut into rings and wash carefully
- Saute' onions in large pot for about 3 minutes
- Add potatoes and leeks. Saute' for another 2 minutes. Add broth and stir.
- Cover pot with klid and simmer broth for 25 minutes, until potatoes and leeks are soft
- Puree soup in blender, with blender stick, or by hand with masher
- If desired, add bockwurst or debreziner sausage and medium hot mustard
Notes
What to Serve with German Potato Soup
Serve Kartoffelsuppe with:- Rye bread
- Pumpernickel
- Crusty rolls
- Bockwurst
- Frankfurters
- Debreziner sausage
- German mustard
- Cucumber salad
- Radish salad
- Pickles
- Simple green salad
- Apple spritzer, beer, or sparkling mineral water
Smooth or Rustic Potato Soup?
This recipe can be made two ways. For a smooth, creamy soup, purée it with an immersion blender until velvety. For a more rustic German-style soup, mash the potatoes by hand and leave some texture. Both versions work well, especially if you add sliced sausage at the end.Easy Substitutions
- No firm potatoes? Use Yukon Gold, yellow potatoes, red potatoes, or other waxy potatoes.
- No leek? Use celery, extra onion, or a small amount of chopped carrot.
- No whipping cream? Use half-and-half, sour cream, crème fraîche, or a splash of milk.
- No Düsseldorf-style mustard? Use medium German mustard, Dijon, or another sharp prepared mustard.
- No marjoram? Use thyme, parsley, or a small pinch of oregano.
- Want it vegetarian? Use vegetable broth and skip the sausage.
- Want it heartier? Add sliced bockwurst, Debreziner, frankfurters, or smoked sausage.
How to Store German Potato Soup
Store leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it chills, so add a splash of broth, milk, or water when reheating.How to Reheat Potato Soup
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling after adding cream, as the soup may separate. If adding sausage, warm it gently in the soup before serving.Can You Make Kartoffelsuppe Ahead of Time?
Yes. German potato soup can be made a day ahead and reheated gently before serving. For the best texture, add the cream after reheating rather than before storing, especially if you plan to freeze it.Can You Freeze Potato Soup?
You can freeze the soup before adding cream. Creamy potato soups may become grainy after freezing and thawing. For best results, freeze the blended potato and leek base, then add cream and mustard after reheating.FAQ Section
What is Kartoffelsuppe?
Kartoffelsuppe is German potato soup. It is usually made with potatoes, onions, leeks or soup vegetables, broth, herbs, and sometimes cream or sausage.
Why is this called Angela Merkel potato soup?
Angela Merkel once said homemade potato soup was one of her favorite meals, especially when made with potatoes from her own garden. This recipe was adapted in her honor.
What potatoes are best for German potato soup?
Firm or waxy potatoes work well because they give the soup body without becoming gluey. Yukon Gold, yellow potatoes, red potatoes, or German-style firm potatoes are good choices.
Can I make this potato soup vegetarian?
Yes. Use vegetable broth and skip the sausage. The potatoes, leeks, cream, marjoram, and mustard still give the soup plenty of flavor.
What sausage goes well with German potato soup?
Bockwurst, Debreziner, frankfurters, smoked sausage, or sliced bratwurst all work well in German potato soup.
Should German potato soup be smooth or chunky?
It can be either. Blend it smooth for a creamy soup or mash it by hand for a rustic texture.
Can I make German potato soup ahead of time?
Yes. Make it up to 1 day ahead and reheat gently. Add extra broth or milk if it thickens in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze German potato soup?
For best results, freeze the soup before adding cream. Add the cream after reheating to keep the texture smoother.
