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by: Gerhild Fulson / Oma Gerhild shares easy, authentic German recipes you can trust, rooted in family tradition and featured in her cookbooks.
Published: October 24, 2015, Updated: May 14, 2025
This hearty German lentil soup (linsensuppe) is a family favorite, perfect for dinners and even special gatherings. Packed with lentils, root vegetables, and savory broth, it's both comforting and nourishing.
If you happen to have a leftover meaty ham bone, then this linsensuppe really needs to be next on the menu. In fact, making this soup is one of the reasons I buy that ham in the first place. The ham dinner that happens before this soup is just incidental! Although sausages and other meats work, there’s really nothing quite like using a ham bone for that traditional German flavor.
No Pre-Soaking Needed: Lentils cook beautifully in the slow cooker without soaking. Just rinse well before adding.
Finish with Vinegar: Stir in vinegar at the end for that classic German tang—don’t skip it!
Vegan Hack: Leave out the ham bone, use vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth.
This is how I usually make it, starting with a good meat broth and tossing in some smoked sausages. That’s the way my family likes it. But if you’re leaning toward more meatless meals, this soup is a great place to start. It’s hearty, packed with protein from the lentils, and so full of flavor that you won’t even miss the meat.
I often change up the veggies and spices, depending on what I have on hand.
I use my Cuisinart multi-cooker slow cooker for this (love that thing!), but it works just as well on the stovetop. Just plan for 1 to 2 hours of gentle simmering until everything is tender and delicious.
I grew up with adding a spoonful of vinegar to my bowl of soup. So good!
However, my Vati's Mutti would add a spoonful of honey to her bowl. Somehow I never could try it her way. I just loved my 'vinegary' taste too much :)
Are there any other things you add to your lentil soup? Let me know!
Looking for other lentil soup recipes?
How about a red lentil soup? I've got a one that's so quick to make.
Red lentils will cook in about 1/2 hour and taste much more delicate than the green or brown.
This lentil soup is quick to prep in the morning and ready to enjoy by dinner, delicious with meat or with a vegan option!
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
8-10 hours
Total Time:
8-10 hours
Servings:
6-8 servings
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Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com
Recipe updated on May 14, 2025
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Proverbs 17:20 (NLT)