Traditional German Green Bean Soup Recipes

GREEN BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• In a large pot over medium heat, combine green beans, garlic, parsley, salt and water to cover and cook until beans are tender.
• Fry bacon until crisp, set aside. Add onion and flour to bacon grease, stirring until smooth and brown. Add some water from the beans, stirring slowly and constantly to prevent lumps.
• Cook to thicken a bit, then add it to the bean soup and bring to a boil. Stir crisp bacon, sour cream and vinegar.

TRADITIONAL MENNONITE GREEN BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• In a large stock pot, add vegetables to broth and simmer until vegetables are well done, about an hour.
• Half an hour before serving, add finely shredded parsley and savory, which has been tied for easy removal. (I usually just throw a spice ball with this stuff in it along with the veggies and leave it in there for the full hour).
• Remove herbs and add 2 to 3 tablespoons sour cream. Combine and serve.
• Or, instead of adding sour cream, just serve with cream or milk at the table.

GERMAN BEAN SOUP (BOHNENSUPPE)

Steps:

• Drain the soaked beans, then put in a kettle with 8 cups of water and the bacon.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for an hour.
• Add the green beans, celery root cubes, carrots, leeks, onion, parsley root (or parsley), potatoes, marjoram, thyme, and bay leaves.
• Bring back to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for another hour.
• While the soup is cooking, melt the butter over low heat in a saucepan.
• Stir in the flour and let it brown very very slowly, stirring occasionally,this could take an hour, if you keep the heat low enough.
• When ready, stir in a little of the soup stock, whisk for a minute, then stir into the soup kettle.
• Season with salt and pepper and cook uncovered, stirring from time to time, for 10 minutes.
• When ready to serve, stir in the parsley, remove the bay leaves, adjust the seasoning, then ladle into soup bowls and serve immediately.

GREEN BEANS GERMAN STYLE

Steps:

• Place beans in a saucepan and cover with water; bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside. , In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. In the same skillet, saute onion in drippings until tender., In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, mustard and water until smooth. Stir into onion. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in brown sugar and vinegar. Add the beans; heat thought. Sprinkle with bacon.