Lentil Vegetable Soup with Smoked Pork Shanks, or Linsensuppe mit Schweinefleisch, is a hearty German soup made with brown lentils, smoked pork, root vegetables, leeks, garlic, herbs, and rich chicken stock. It is warming, filling, and deeply comforting, especially during the colder months.
The smoked pork shanks give the broth a savory depth, while the lentils make the soup nourishing and satisfying. Carrot, onion, celeriac, and leek add classic German vegetable flavor, and fresh thyme and parsley brighten the finished bowl.
Serve this German lentil soup as a cozy lunch or dinner with rye bread, farmhouse bread, pickles, mustard, or a simple green salad. It is rustic, practical, and exactly the kind of soup that tastes even better when the flavors have had time to settle.
What Is Lentil Vegetable Soup with Smoked Pork Shanks?
Lentil Vegetable Soup with Smoked Pork Shanks is a German-style lentil soup made with brown lentils, vegetables, broth, herbs, and smoked pork. The German name, Linsensuppe mit Schweinefleisch, means lentil soup with pork.
This soup is hearty enough to serve as a full meal. The lentils thicken the broth as they cook, while the smoked pork adds richness and a savory, gently smoky flavor. The vegetables give the soup sweetness, depth, and texture.
The pork shanks are simmered in the soup, then removed from the pot so the meat can be pulled from the bone and cut into small pieces. The chopped pork is then returned to the soup or added to each bowl for a satisfying finish.
German Linsensuppe with Smoked Pork
Linsensuppe is a beloved German comfort food because it is simple, nourishing, and easy to make in a large pot. Lentils have long been used in hearty soups and stews because they cook into a filling, protein-rich base without needing complicated ingredients.
In this version, smoked pork shanks make the soup especially flavorful. As the shanks simmer with the lentils and vegetables, they season the broth and give the soup a deeper taste than lentils alone.
The vegetables are also important. Carrot, celeriac, leek, onion, and garlic create a classic soup base that feels distinctly German. Fresh thyme and parsley add herbal freshness at the end.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This German lentil soup is hearty, practical, and full of comforting flavor. It uses simple ingredients, feeds a group, and makes a warm, satisfying meal.
You’ll love this recipe because it:
- Uses brown lentils for a hearty, nourishing base
- Gets deep flavor from smoked pork shanks
- Includes classic soup vegetables like carrot, onion, celeriac, leek, and garlic
- Makes a generous pot for family meals
- Is especially comforting in fall and winter
- Can be served as lunch, dinner, or a make-ahead meal
- Pairs well with rye bread, pickles, mustard, and salad
- Tastes even better the next day
Lentil Vegetable Soup with Smoked Pork Shanks (Linsensuppe mit Schweinefleisch)
Ingredients
- 1 lb brown lentils
- 2 smoked pork shanks cooked
- 1 large carrot diced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 small celeriac diced
- 1 leek diced
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 2 quarts chicken stock
- 2 tablespoon butter
- fresh thyme and chopped parsley
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Pick over lentils and wash.
- Sauté all vegetables for about 5 minutes. Add stock, smoked pork shanks and lentils. Bring to a full boil.
- Reduce heat and cook at low heat for 1/2 hour.
- Take out the pork shanks, remove the meat from the bone and cut into small pieces.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Present in soup bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and thyme.
Notes
Why Lentils and Smoked Pork Work So Well Together
Lentils and smoked pork are a natural pairing because they balance each other beautifully. Lentils are earthy, mild, and hearty, while smoked pork is rich, salty, and savory. As the pork shanks simmer, they season the broth and give the lentils more depth. The lentils absorb some of that smoky flavor while still keeping their own earthy character. The result is a soup that tastes generous and satisfying without needing a long list of spices. A few simple vegetables and herbs are enough to complete the flavor.The Vegetable Base
The vegetable base is what makes this lentil soup feel fresh and balanced instead of heavy. Carrot adds sweetness, onion and leek add savory flavor, celeriac adds earthiness, and garlic gives the broth warmth. Sautéing the vegetables before adding the stock helps build flavor. The butter softens the vegetables and gives the soup a richer foundation. Cut the vegetables into small, even pieces so they cook at the same pace as the lentils. This also makes the finished soup easier to eat, with lentils, vegetables, and pork in every spoonful.Tips for the Best German Lentil Soup
Pick over and rinse the lentils before cooking. This removes dust and any tiny debris. Do not add too much salt at the beginning. Smoked pork shanks and chicken stock can already contain salt, so it is best to adjust the seasoning near the end. Simmer the soup gently after it reaches a boil. A low simmer helps the lentils cook evenly and keeps the pork tender. Remove the pork shanks before serving and cut the meat into small pieces. This makes the soup easier to eat and ensures every bowl gets some smoked pork. Add the parsley and thyme near the end or as a garnish so the herbs stay fresh and fragrant.What to Serve with Lentil Vegetable Soup
This soup is hearty enough to serve as a full meal, but it pairs well with simple German breads, sides, and condiments. Good pairings include:- Rye bread
- German farmhouse bread
- Pumpernickel
- Pretzel rolls
- Pickles or gherkins
- German mustard
- Cucumber salad
- Green salad
- Radishes
- Potato pancakes
- Sparkling mineral water
- German beer
- Apple cider
