Savory and satisfying, this classic Bavarian lentil soup with vegetables is simmered in a hearty beef and bacon base. Adapted from Chef Horst Mager's original recipe, as served at Der Rheinlander restaurant in Portland, Oregon [1963-2017].
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What's the Story Behind this Recipe?
Der Rheinlander restaurant was a fixture in northeast Portland, Oregon for nearly fifty-four years. Founded in 1963 by Chef Horst Mager, a native of Wiesbaden, Germany, it introduced Bavarian-style food to generations of Oregonians.
Mr B and I both grew up near the Rheinlander and have found memories of eating there. It was a “special occasion” restaurant; one of the fanciest places around in our working-class neighborhood. Meals came served with Swiss cheese fondue, crusty bread, a bowl of lentil soup, and a roving Tyrolean accordion serenade.
Chef Mager was Portland’s first celebrity chef. He often made appearances on my mother’s favorite noon-time program, KOIN Kitchen. It was he, and the show’s host, Lois Devore, who first sparked my love of German cuisine, and cooking in general. Inspired by their example, I spent hours alone in our kitchen pretending to host my own cooking show.
Chef Mager generously shared his recipes on little printed cards near the restaurant’s front entrance. Whenever we visited, I plucked one up and tucked it away with my small but growing collection; the German lentil soup recipe presented here was adapted directly from one of those treasured little cards.
What Goes into Linsensuppe
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
★ Lentils: We prefer to use green lentils, but brown lentils work just as well.
★ Potatoes: The original restaurant recipe used russet potatoes; however, we prefer to use Yukon Golds, as they hold their shape a bit better. Either one works.
★ Onions: For the most robust flavor, we recommend using yellow onions.
★ Bacon: Use a thick-cut, good quality bacon if possible.
★ Beef soup base: We recommend using Better than Bouillon, but any beef soup base will do.
★ Flour: You can use all-purpose flour; however, we recommend using Wondra.
Wondra, or instant flour, dissolves more quickly than all-purpose flour, and mixes into both hot and cold liquids easily. This makes it particularly useful for making smooth, creamy, lump-free soups and sauces.
★ Thyme: The original recipe calls for "white thyme"; however, common thyme works just fine. If you have fresh thyme on hand, by all means, use it instead!
How to Make Der Rheinlander Lentil Soup
Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron Dutch oven or heavy soup pot over MEDIUM-HIGH heat.
Add diced bacon, carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté until the onions and celery are translucent; about 10-12 minutes.
Reduce heat to MEDIUM-LOW. Stirring constantly, add the flour and cook for 1 minute more.
Slowly add the whole 3½ quarts of water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Once the water is fully incorporated, stir in the remaining ingredients; lentils, potatoes, herbs and seasonings.
Simmer uncovered on LOW about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The soup is done when the lentils are very tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread.
FAQs & Expert Tips
To add a little extra zip, try a sprinkle of red wine vinegar or a splash of hot sauce in your lentil soup!
Green lentils have a more peppery flavor and a harder exterior, so they hold their shape better and longer in a soup. Green lentils take slightly longer to cook than do brown lentils.
Green lentils also have a higher protein content, while the brown lentil have a higher fiber content.
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German Lentil Soup (Linsensuppe)
Equipment
- 1 Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 3 ounces vegetable oil
- 3 ounces bacon diced
- 2 medium carrots diced; about ¾ cup/ 4 oz.
- ½ large onion diced; about ¾ cup/ 4 oz.
- 3 stalks celery diced; about ¾ cup/ 3½ oz.
- ¾ cup flour Wondra or all-purpose flour
- 3½ quarts water
- 1 pound green or brown lentils
- 1 medium potato (Yukon Gold or Russet) peeled and diced; about ¾ cup/ 4 oz.
- 2 tablespoons Beef Soup Base e.g., Better than Bouillon, etc.
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon fresh nutmeg
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron Dutch oven or heavy soup pot over MEDIUM-HIGH heat. Add diced bacon, carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté until the onions and celery are translucent; about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to MEDIUM-LOW. Stirring constantly, add the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add 3½ quarts of water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Once the water is fully incorporated, stir in the remaining ingredients; lentils, potatoes, and seasonings.
- Simmer uncovered on LOW about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Notes
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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Mirlene says
This lentil soup is the perfect soup to make for this time. It's been getting a little cold and this should warm us up a bit!
Renée B. says
Thanks so much, Mirlene! Soup is always a good thing when the weather starts to turn chilly.
Chenée says
I love lentil soup and I was SO excited to try this German version! It was so good -- thank you for sharing!
Renée B. says
Thank you so much, Chenée! Enjoy!
MacKenzie says
Delicious soup! Thank you for sharing. It’s so flavorful and comforting.
Emily says
The weather has been cooling down and this German lentil soup hit the spot! So hearty and flavorful, I will definitely be making it again soon!
Andrea says
Oh yum, beef broth, bacon, lentils and lots of veggies; sounds fantastic! I can't wait to have a great big bowl of this deliciousness.
Renée B. says
It is a truly cozy soup, especially this time of year.