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German Lentils (Linsen mit Spätzle)
The combination of vinegar and just a touch of sugar gives it its famous sweet-sour flavor balance. Coupled with smoky bacon and flavorful veggies, it's served over Spätzle and often with a sausage for a favorite comfort dish throughout southern Germany.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 6
Calories: 448 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
German
Ingredients
- 5 slices thick cut bacon , diced
- 1 large yellow onion , finely diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 carrot , finely diced
- 1 leek , finely chopped, thoroughly rinsed and drained
- 1 pound dried brown lentils , rinsed and drained (no need to soak)
- 7 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Homemade German Spätzle
- or store-bought Spätzle
Instructions
- Cook the bacon over medium-high heat until done (for best flavor don't drain the bacon grease). Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent 5-7 minutes. Add the butter, carrots and leek and cook for 5 minutes.Add the lentils, broth, bay leaf, salt, pepper and sugar and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 40 minutes. Add the vinegar and parsley and simmer another 3-4 minutes. If too thick for your taste, add a little extra beef broth. Add more salt, pepper, sugar and vinegar to taste.Serve over Spätzle, commonly with a German Saitenwurst or a sausage of your choice.
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Nutrition Information
Calories
448kcal
(22%)
Carbohydrates
52g
(17%)
Protein
27g
(54%)
Fat
15g
(23%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
6g
Cholesterol
25mg
(8%)
Sodium
1659mg
(69%)
Potassium
1032mg
(29%)
Fiber
24g
(96%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
2215IU
(44%)
Vitamin C
10mg
(11%)
Calcium
82mg
(8%)
Iron
7mg
(39%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 448
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 448kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 1659mg | 69% |
| Potassium | 1032mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 24g | 96% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 2215IU | 44% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 82mg | 8% |
| Iron | 7mg | 39% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.