1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Prep Vegetables and Sausages: Chop the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. Slice the sausages into bite-size rounds.
2. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- Add Base Ingredients: Place the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add Sausages: Layer the sliced sausages over the vegetables.
- Season: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried marjoram. Toss gently to combine.
- Pour in Broth: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the slow cooker, ensuring that the ingredients are covered. Drop in the bay leaf.
3. Cook the Soup:
- Set to Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for about 4 hours, until the vegetables and sausages are tender.
4. Finish the Soup:
- Remove Bay Leaf: Take out the bay leaf before serving.
- Optional Creaminess: For a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking if using.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread or a traditional German pretzel.
Tips for Success:
- Sausage Selection: Choosing the right sausage can greatly impact the flavor of the soup. Smoked sausages like kielbasa add a nice depth of flavor, while bratwurst keeps it traditional.
- Potato Type: Waxy potatoes hold their shape well during long cooking times, making them ideal for slow cooker soups.
- Texture Variation: For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker before serving. This will naturally thicken the broth.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you prefer to avoid dairy, you can omit the cream or substitute it with coconut milk for a different but equally creamy texture.
This slow cooker German Potato Soup with sausages is not only easy to prepare but also fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma as it cooks, making it a perfect meal for relaxing weekends or busy weeknights. Enjoy the warm, comforting bowl of traditional flavors with minimal effort.