When the streets of Basel come alive with the magic of Fasnacht, there’s one dish that embodies the spirit of this incredible celebration: the traditional Basler Mehlsuppe. Known for its hearty warmth and comforting flavours, this soup is a beloved staple during the carnival season. At Fermento Brewery, rooted in the heart of Basel, we love to elevate classic traditions with our uniquely crafted 21 Ventuno Honey Beer.
This beer is more than just a drink – it’s a warm hug on a chilly day, with its honey aroma and generous alcohol content. We can’t wait to show you how to make a delicious beer soup that pays homage to the festive spirit of Basel Fasnacht!
Basel Fasnacht, also known as Basel Carnival, is a unique event filled with vibrant parades, stunning costumes and delicious food. Each year, locals and visitors gather to celebrate this rich tradition, which begins on the Monday morning after Ash Wednesday. Among the highlights is the Morgestraich, where revelers wake in the early hours to enjoy the first serving of the Basler Mehlsuppe, a nourishing concoction that warms the soul amidst the carnival frenzy. Historically, this dish has great cultural significance, often lovingly prepared by families and friends, representing comfort on cold mornings and the joy of celebrating together.
As revelers indulge in this warming soup, they celebrate their rich cultural heritage, making it an essential part of the carnival experience. And of course, no celebration would be complete without a few beers to help bring everyone together!
To create your own delicious beer-based Basler Mehlsuppe, gather the following ingredients that will enhance the flavour of the soup. Fermento 21 Ventuno Honey Beer is the perfect complement to this delicious beer soup.
Steps to Prepare Your Basler Beer Soup
Step 1
Toast the flour: In a large saucepan, toast the flour over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns a hazelnut brown colour. Cooking the flour to brown – in this case creating a dark brown roux – helps to develop a rich flavour profile. Remember that the longer and darker you cook a roux, the less thickening power it has; while it will develop a deeper, more intense flavour, it will not thicken the soup to the same viscosity as a lighter roux.
Step 2
Sauté the onions: Reduce the heat and melt the butter in the same saucepan. Add the sliced onion and sauté gently for about 3 minutes, until soft.
Step 3
Mix the ingredients: Pour the toasted flour back into the saucepan with the onion, mixing well to ensure the flour coats the onion.
Step 4
Add the broth and beer: gradually add the meat or vegetable broth and the Fermento 21 Ventuno Honey Beer, stirring constantly with a whisk. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The alcohol will evaporate during cooking.
Step 5
Season to taste: Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste. The balance of flavours with the beer is delicious!
Step 6
Finish with cheese: Stir in the grated cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 7
Serve with style: Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chives or parsley and let the comforting aroma transport you to the lively streets of Basel during Carnival.
Honey beer
Amber-gold
6.9%
Round, fruity, honey flavour, with a hint of caramel.
8 - 10°C
Large red wine glass, or brandy glass
Why Fermento 21 Ventuno Honey Beer?
Fermento Brewery is proudly rooted in Basel, where we passionately craft beers that draw inspiration from local traditions and flavors. Our exceptional 21 Ventuno Honey Beer is the perfect accompaniment for this Basler Mehlsuppe, thanks to its low bitterness and intricate flavor profile. With delightful notes of floral sweetness, it not only enhances the taste of the soup but also complements its comforting warmth. The delicate sweetness of the honey beer contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy texture of the cheese, adding a whole new dimension to your dish.
Cooking with beer is truly magical because it takes flavors to another level. This soup is a perfect example of how beer can elevate a dish from good to amazing. The subtle floral touch that the honey beer brings to the broth is absolutely delightful, making it a total winner for your taste buds and your heart! This pairing showcases the incredible versatility of Fermento beers and how beer can take traditional recipes to the next level. Beer has always been a central component of the Fasnacht festivities, bringing people together as friends and family celebrate. As we mentioned in a previous blog post, beer is deeply embedded in the culture of Basel, providing the perfect complement to many local dishes, including our beloved beer soup.
Pairing Suggestion: The Perfect Pair for Your Beer Soup
We recommend trying it with a Fermento 21 Ventuno Honey Beer. The sweetness of the honey beer goes really well with the savoury soup, and the floral notes complement the comforting warmth, creating a well-balanced, delicious flavour.
Drinking beer during Fasnacht is a great way to celebrate, and it’s all about getting together with friends and sharing a meal and a drink. The combination of beer and Basler Mehlsuppe really captures that communal vibe. It’s not just about getting your food and drink, it’s about connecting with others over familiar tastes and shared experiences.
A Toast to Tradition and Vibrant Celebrations
To sum things up, beer soup, especially this Basler Mehlsuppe with Fermento 21 Ventuno Honey Beer, is a delicious celebration of culinary tradition and cultural heritage. As you enjoy every spoonful, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this dish, especially during the fun-filled Fasnacht. The way the flavours mix, the warmth of the beer and the lovely texture all come together to create a meal that’s about more than just the food. It’s about the memories and connections it creates too.
So, whether you’re making this for a family get-together, a Fasnacht party or just treating yourself to a bowl of beer soup at home, you’re part of a long-standing tradition.
When you get together with your loved ones and enjoy a bowl of Basler Mehlsuppe, you’re not just celebrating the taste, you’re also celebrating the community aspect. Let’s raise a glass to delicious food, great company, and the lively spirit of Fasnacht that keeps bringing us together year after year. Raise your glass of Fermento 21 Ventuno Honey Beer and cheers to beer soup—a dish that embodies the heart and soul of Basel, celebrating the enduring allure of culinary traditions that bring us all together.
Enjoy this delightful dish and let it be a warm testament to the bonds that we cherish in our lives. Cheers!