The Amana Colonies are known for their great food! Many people visit the area to dine on dishes that were traditionally prepared in community kitchens and can now be found in local restaurants. Our hotel shares a part in the Colonies’ rich food history, having formerly operated as Bill Zuber’s Dugout Restaurant from 1949-2006.

Over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing some recipes for traditional dishes, foods that have been prepared and served in the Amana villages for over a century.

This first recipe is perfect for cold weather, or almost any time!

Linsen Suppe – Lentil Soup

1 cup lentils
8 cups water
1 potato, diced
2 carrots, diced or sliced
1 onion, minced
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup sliced celery
1 lb. Amana Pork Sausage
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons flour

Soak lentils in water overnight, then cook until tender, adding more water if necessary. Add next six ingredients and cook about 20 minutes. Remove sausage and cool. Melt butter, blend in flour and add to soup as thickening. Skin sausage, slice, and add to soup. Reheat and serve.

This recipe is from the Amana Colony Recipes cookbook, and is reprinted with permission of the Homestead Welfare Club.  To purchase a copy of the book, please contact Elaine Zuber at dzubs@southslope.net or 319-622-3099.