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    Home » Recipes » Soup & Stew

    Bavarian-style German Lentil Soup (Linsensuppe)

    June 2, 2022 • Updated: May 13, 2023 • by Renée B. • This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe   Print Recipe
    Overhead shot of a wide brimmed bowl filled with lentil soup, garnished with fresh thyme and celery leaves. Spoonful of soup. Crusty bread on the side. Pin text reads: Bavarian-style German Lentil Soup, Adapted from Der Rheinlander, Chef Horst Mager, Portland, Oregon US

    Savory and satisfying, this classic Bavarian Lentil Soup with vegetables is simmered in a hearty beef and bacon base.

    Overhead shot of a wide brimmed bowl filled with lentil soup, garnished with fresh thyme and celery leaves. Spoonful of soup. Crusty bread on the side.

    This lentil soup recipe has adapted from Chef Horst Mager's original recipe, as served at Der Rheinlander restaurant in Portland, Oregon (1963-2017).

    Jump to:
    • What's the Story Behind this Recipe?
    • Linsensuppe Ingredients
    • How to Make Der Rheinlander Lentil Soup
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top Tip
    • FAQ
    • More German Recipes
    • What to Serve with Lentil Soup
    • German Lentil Soup (Linsensuppe)

    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.

    Recipe card from original source: Der Rheinlander, Portland, Oregon US, 1963-2017.

    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.

    Linsensuppe Ingredients

    German lentil soup ingredients dispalyed on a baking tray: celery, potatoes, onios, lentils, carrots, salt, nutmeg, pepper, soup base, bacon, thyme, oil, and bay leaves.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Carrots
    • Onions: For the most robust flavor, we recommend using yellow onions.
    • Celery
    • 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!
    • Bay leaves
    • Kosher salt
    • Dried thyme
    • White pepper
    • Fresh nutmeg
    • Vegetable oil
    • Water: The water you use matters. Be aware, if your water is treated and has an overpowering taste because of it (i.e, municipally added chlorine, chloramine, etc.), that flavor may taint your chicken stock, which will in turn negatively flavor whatever you make with it.

    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.

    Overhead shot of uncooked, diced carrots, celery, onions, and bacon in a stovetop Dutch oven.

    Reduce heat to MEDIUM-LOW. Stirring constantly, add the flour and cook for 1 minute more.

    Overhead shot of flour added to diced carrots, celery, onions, and bacon in a stovetop Dutch oven.

    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.

    Overhead shot of soup mix and ready to simmer. Thyme floating on top.

    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.

    Overhead shot of cooked lentil soup in stovetop Dutch oven.

    Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread.

    Equipment

    My standard practice when making mosts soups is to use my enameled cast iron Dutch oven. A Dutch oven allows you to sauté and simmer on the stovetop, and the enameled (i.e., glass) surface won't react to ingredients. A good Dutch oven promotes even heating and has great heat retention, and goes from stovetop to table with ease.

    You can also use a medium stockpot to make this recipe.

    Storage

    Lentil soup is good for up to 5 days when properly covered and stored in the refrigerator.

    Freeze in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or resealable bag. For best flavor retention, eat within 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on a stove or in a microwave.

    Top Tip

    To add a little extra zip, try a sprinkle of red wine vinegar or a splash of hot sauce in your lentil soup!

    FAQ

    What is the difference between green and brown lentils?

    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.

    45-degree shot of a wide brimmed bowl filled with lentil soup, garnished with fresh thyme and celery leaves. Spoonful of soup. Crusty bread on the side.

    More German Recipes

    • Cheese fondue dipped rye bread cube on the end of a metal skewer.
      Rheinlander Swiss Cheese Fondue
    • Boule on wooden cutting board, with three slices cut off and fanned.
      German Dark Rye Bread
    • Traditional German Sauerbraten
      Traditional German Sauerbraten
    • Close-up of a whole apple strudel on a long serving plate.
      Easy Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)

    What to Serve with Lentil Soup

    A thick slice of rye or sourdough bread and a bowl of lentil soup makes a simple, hearty lunch or dinner. It also makes a perfect soup course for a German-themed meal.

    These dishes all pair exceptionally well with lentil soup:

    • German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)
    • German Sauerbraten
    • Hot German Potato Salad (Bavarian Kartoffelsalat)
    • Rheinlander Swiss Cheese Fondue
    • Classic Rueben Sandwich
    • Crispy Sauerkraut Fritters (Easy Air Fryer Recipe)

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    Overhead shot of a wide brimmed bowl filled with lentil soup, garnished with fresh thyme and celery leaves. Spoonful of soup. Crusty bread on the side.
    5 from 5 votes

    German Lentil Soup (Linsensuppe)

    Savory and satisfying, this classic Bavarian-style lentil soup with vegetables is simmered in a hearty beef and bacon base.
    Adapted from Chef Horst Mager's original recipe, as served at the Rheinlander Restaurant in Portland, Oregon [1963-2017].
    Print Pin Add to Shopping List Go to Shopping List
    Course: Main, Soup
    Cuisine: German
    Prep Time:30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time:2 hours hours
    Total Time:2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 servings
    Calories: 375kcal
    Author: Renee
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • 1 10-inch Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
    • 1 Wooden Spoon

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Metric
    • 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

    Slow Cooker Directions: To cook this soup in a slow cooker, prepare as directed above thru Step 4, and then transfer soup to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until the lentils are very tender.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 528mg | Potassium: 618mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2126IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 4mg
    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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    About Renée B.

    Renée is self-taught home chef with a penchant for creating healthy(ish) comfort food recipes, and adapting vintage recipes for the 21st century cook. In her spare time, she writes unfinished novels and songs about cowboys.

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    1. Mirlene says

      October 28, 2022 at 11:11 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Renée B. says

        October 29, 2022 at 7:15 am

        Thanks so much, Mirlene! Soup is always a good thing when the weather starts to turn chilly.

        Reply
    2. Chenée says

      October 28, 2022 at 10:32 pm

      5 stars
      I love lentil soup and I was SO excited to try this German version! It was so good -- thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Renée B. says

        October 29, 2022 at 7:14 am

        Thank you so much, Chenée! Enjoy!

        Reply
    3. MacKenzie says

      October 28, 2022 at 7:51 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious soup! Thank you for sharing. It’s so flavorful and comforting.

      Reply
    4. Emily says

      October 28, 2022 at 5:35 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    5. Andrea says

      October 28, 2022 at 4:34 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Renée B. says

        October 28, 2022 at 4:51 pm

        It is a truly cozy soup, especially this time of year.

        Reply

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    Overhead shot of a wide brimmed bowl filled with lentil soup, garnished with fresh thyme and celery leaves. Spoonful of soup. Crusty bread on the side. Pin text reads: Bavarian-style German Lentil Soup, Adapted from Der Rheinlander, Chef Horst Mager, Portland, Oregon US
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