German Tomato Soup Recipe (Simple And Delicious)

Indulge in the richness of German culture with this hearty Tomato Soup recipe. A blend of robust flavors, this soup delights the palate and warms the soul. Originating from the heart of Bavaria, the combination of fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream creates a velvety experience. 

A favorite in German kitchens, it transcends ordinary soups with its depth of taste. Cooks praise its simplicity, and guests savor its savory elegance. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, this Tomato Soup is the perfect opener. 

Experience the culinary beauty of Germany. Try it today. The rich history, the fresh ingredients, and your kitchen’s magic await your exploration. Make this dish part of your repertoire. Cherish the flavors. Enjoy the warmth. The German Tomato Soup invites you.

What Is German Tomato Soup?

German Tomato Soup is a creamy, savory dish that embodies the heart of German cuisine. Made with fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream, it offers a velvety texture and a rich flavor profile. 

Often served as a comforting appetizer or a light meal, this soup is celebrated for its simplicity and elegance. It’s a delightful culinary experience that reflects the warmth and robustness of traditional German cooking.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

German Tomato Soup can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences. Here’s how you might modify the recipe:

Keto

• Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to lower the carb content.
• Use heavy cream instead of milk to increase the fat content.

Paleo

• Substitute regular milk with coconut or almond milk.
• Use fresh, pureed tomatoes instead of canned condensed tomato soup.

Gluten-Free

• Ensure that the canned tomato soup is gluten-free or use freshly pureed tomatoes.
• Be mindful of any added seasonings or broths that might contain gluten.

Whole30

• Omit the milk and use a compliant broth or water for thinning.
• Substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes, and use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones.

Vegetarian

• Replace ground beef with a plant-based alternative like lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.
• Confirm that the canned tomato soup is vegetarian, or use a homemade tomato puree.

Vegan

• Use plant-based milk such as almond or coconut milk.
• Replace ground beef with a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein or increase the vegetables.
• Utilize vegan-friendly tomato soup or fresh tomatoes.

Recipe Directions

• Heat Pot: Place a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
• Cook Beef: Crumble ground beef into the pot, stirring until browned; drain grease.
• Add Ingredients: Stir in cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onion, tomato soup, milk, and water.
• Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Simmer: Reduce to medium heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Slow Cook: Further reduce heat to low and cook for 1 1/2 hours.
• Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnishing as desired.
• Additional Options: Pair with crusty bread or salad for a complete meal.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

German Tomato Soup is a versatile dish that allows for various variations, add-ons, and toppings. Here’s a detailed look at each aspect:

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute meat with lentils, mushrooms, or chickpeas.
• Creamy Version: Add more cream or use a blender to puree the soup for a silkier texture.
• Spicy Version: Incorporate chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicier kick.

Add-Ons

• Protein: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or tofu for added protein.
• Grains: Include barley, quinoa, or brown rice for added texture and heartiness.
• Legumes: Lentils or white beans can add nutrition and thickness.
• Cheese: Stir in grated cheese like Gouda or Swiss for a richer flavor.

Toppings

• Herbs: Fresh basil, thyme, or parsley can add brightness and freshness.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons offer a crunchy contrast.
• Cream: A dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche adds creaminess.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese like Cheddar or Parmesan can be sprinkled on top.

Can I Make German Tomato Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

German Tomato Soup can be adapted to be made in both a slow cooker and an Instant Pot. Here’s how you can do it:

Slow Cooker

• Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef; drain excess grease.
• Add Ingredients: Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onion, tomato soup, milk, and water.
• Mix Well: Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
• Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
• Season & Serve: Check seasoning, garnish as desired, and serve.

Instant Pot

• Sauté Beef: Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Crumble and brown the beef; drain excess grease.
• Add Ingredients: Add the cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onion, tomato soup, milk, and water. Stir to combine.
• Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and set to pressure cook on HIGH for 15 minutes.
• Natural Release: Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
• Season & Serve: Check seasoning, garnish as desired, and serve.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Depending on your preferences, time constraints, and desired flavor profile, you can use either store-bought or homemade broth in your German Tomato Soup. Here are the considerations for both options:

Store-Bought Broth

• Convenience: It’s readily available and saves time.
• Variety: You can find different types of broth (chicken, beef, vegetable) and even specialized versions (low-sodium, organic, etc.).
• Flavor: Quality can vary by brand, so you may need to try a few to find one that suits your taste.
• Ingredients: Check the label for preservatives or additives if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.

Homemade Broth

• Flavor Control: Making your own allows you to tailor the flavors exactly to your liking.
• Freshness: Fresh homemade broth often has a richer, more robust flavor.
• No Additives: You control the ingredients, so there are no preservatives or artificial flavors.
• Time-Consuming: It does take more time and effort to make your broth.

How To Serve ?

Serving German Tomato Soup can be a delightful experience with the right combination of presentation and accompaniments. Here’s how to serve it best:

• Preheat Bowls: Warm the serving bowls by rinsing them with hot water. This keeps the soup hot for a longer time when served.
• Consider Texture: If the soup has cooked for a long time and the vegetables are very soft, you may want to add some fresh herbs or a crunchy topping for textural contrast.
• Use Fresh Garnish: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to enhance the appearance and add a new taste.
• Add a Creamy Touch: A dollop of sour cream, yogurt, or a swirl of cream can add richness and visually appealing contrast to the soup’s color.
• Offer Condiments: Provide small dishes of additional herbs, grated cheese, or spicy condiments, allowing guests to customize their bowls to their tastes.
• Choose the Right Utensils: Serve with large soup spoons and provide a small plate or saucer for the bread or any side dishes.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: A fresh loaf of crusty bread, such as a baguette or a rustic whole-grain loaf, is ideal for dipping and soaking up the soup’s flavorful broth.
• Soft Pretzels: A nod to German culinary tradition, soft pretzels add a delightful chewy contrast to the soup.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balance. Ingredients like cucumbers, radishes, and cherry tomatoes keep it light and crisp.
• German Potato Salad: This tangy, mustard-infused potato salad can complement tomato soup.
• Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables, grilled or roasted with olive oil and herbs, provide a healthy and flavorful side.
• Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of German cheeses with some crackers or bread for a satisfying and traditional pairing.
• Apple or Cabbage Slaw: A slaw made with apples or cabbage, lightly dressed, can add a refreshing crunch.
• Pickles and Fermented Sides: German pickles (gherkins) or sauerkraut provide tangy notes that can balance the soup’s richness.
• Spätzle: This German egg noodle is versatile and can be a wonderful side, buttered or tossed with herbs and cheese.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance, allowing flavors to meld for richer taste.
• Storage: Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent separation or loss of flavor.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup for longer storage. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with date and consume within 2-3 months for best quality.
• Thawing: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

Leftovers of German Tomato Soup don’t have to go to waste and can be creatively repurposed. Here’s a list of ideas:

• Reheat and Eat: The simplest option, enjoy it reheated for another meal, paired with fresh bread or a new side dish.
• Create a Casserole: Mix a tasty casserole with cooked pasta, cheese, and bake.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use as a filling for baked stuffed peppers, adding rice or quinoa if desired.
• Sauce for Meat or Fish: Reduce on the stovetop and use it as a flavorful sauce for grilled or roasted meats.
• Add to a Stew: Use as a base for a new stew, adding extra meat, beans, or vegetables.
• Blend into a Creamier Soup: Blend with a cream or non-dairy alternative for a smooth, creamy version.
• Freeze for Later: If you have more leftovers than you can use soon, freeze in portioned containers for future easy meals.

German Tomato Soup Recipe (Simple And Delicious)

5 from 4 votes

Recipe by Hanna Barnes Course: Soup Recipe

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

2

hours 

Calories

1000

kcal

German Tomato Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish, brimming with fresh tomatoes, ground beef, and nourishing vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.

Ingredients

• 2 pound 2 Ground Beef

• 10.75 ounce 10.75 Condensed Tomato Soup

• 2 1/2 cups 2 1/2 Milk

• 1 1/8 cups 1 1/8 Water (Or As Needed)

• 6 sliced 6 White Potatoes, Peeled And Sliced (1/4 Inch Thick)

• 1 1 Small Head Cabbage, Cored And Sliced

• 3 3 Carrots, Sliced

• 1 1 Small Onion, Chopped

Step-By-Step Directions

• Preparation: Gather all the ingredients.
• Heat Pot: Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
• Cook Beef: Crumble the ground beef into the pot. Stir frequently, ensuring even browning. Drain excess grease.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and chopped onion.
• Add Liquids: Add the tomato soup, milk, and water, ensuring a well-mixed combination.
• Bring to a Boil: Increase heat if necessary to bring the soup to a rapid boil.
• Simmer: Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Slow Cook: Turn the heat down to low, covering the pot, and let the soup cook for 1 1/2 hours.
• Check Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Blending (Optional): Carefully use an immersion or regular blender for a smoother soup.
• Final Touches: Add any desired garnishes, like fresh herbs or a dollop of cream.
• Serving: Serve hot in individual bowls.
• Additional Options: To complement the soup, offer crusty bread, croutons, or a light salad on the side.
• EQUIPMENT LIST
• Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
• Wooden Spoon or Ladle
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
• Peeler
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Colander
• Immersion Blender or Regular Blender
• Heat-Resistant Bowl
• Ladle or Soup Server
• Freezer-Safe Containers
• Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

Notes

• Adjusting Consistency: The soup’s thickness can be adjusted by varying the amount of water or milk to suit personal preferences.
• Seasoning Variations: Spices like paprika, thyme, or bay leaves can be added for different flavor profiles.
• Meat Choices: Ground pork or chicken can be substituted for beef if preferred.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
• Vegan Options: A vegan version can be easily prepared with appropriate substitutions like plant-based meat and non-dairy milk.
• Refrigeration and Reheating: The soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently to retain the best texture.
• Children-Friendly: Its mild flavor and wholesome ingredients make it suitable for family meals, including younger children.
• Potential Allergens: Be mindful of dairy or other specific allergens in the ingredients if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.
• Pairing Options: Pair wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or other traditional German side dishes.

Nutrition Table 

• Author
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Hanna Barnes

Hanna is a writer at Soup Chick. Yulia's website reignited her passion for crafting affordable, veggie-packed soups. She is certified by the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and has expertise in healthy, baking, and vegan cuisine. With years of food blogging and collaborating with chefs, she offers a range of recipes on Soup Chick, from classic broths to the heavenly slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. Join her in creating flavorsome, wholesome soups in your kitchen!

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