Frankfurter Grüne Soße

Background and History

Frankfurter Grüne Soße, also known as Frankfurt Green Sauce, is a traditional German dish that is particularly popular in the region of Hesse, especially in the city of Frankfurt. This aromatic sauce is traditionally served cold and consists of seven specific herbs that together create a unique flavor profile. It’s a dish steeped in history and culture, often associated with the European culinary traditions. This sauce is typically served with boiled potatoes and eggs or meats, offering a refreshing complement to the meal.

Ingredients

• Parsley
• Chives
• Sorrel
• Borage
• Garden Cress
• Chervil
• Salad Burnet
• Sour Cream
• Yogurt
• Mustard
• Lemon
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sugar
• Boiled Eggs
• Olive Oil
• Boiled Potatoes

Preparation

Gathering the Herbs

To start, make sure you have fresh parsley, chives, sorrel, borage, garden cress, chervil, and salad burnet. These should be available in most German markets or can be grown in your backyard for an authentic taste.

Cleaning and Chopping the Herbs

Wash all the herbs thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Finely chop each of these herbs and mix them in a large bowl. The precise mixture of these herbs defines the unique flavor of the Frankfurter Grüne Soße.

Cooking Process

Mixing the Sauce Base

Add about 300g of sour cream and 200g of yogurt into the bowl with the chopped herbs. Mix it well to create a creamy base. The sour cream and yogurt help in binding the herbs and providing the base for the sauce.

Flavoring the Sauce

To the herb mixture, add a tablespoon of mustard, juice from half a lemon, a pinch of salt, and pepper to taste. Add a bit of sugar if needed to balance the flavors. Stir all ingredients carefully to ensure even distribution of the flavors.

Chilling the Sauce

Once mixed, cover the bowl with cling film and let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together creating a harmonious blend of taste.

Preparing Accompaniments

While the sauce chills, you can prepare accompaniments like boiled eggs and boiled potatoes. These provide a wonderful base for the sauce to complement.

Final Assembly

Before serving, take the chilled sauce out of the refrigerator. Arrange the boiled potatoes and boiled eggs on a platter and drizzle olive oil over them. Serve the sauce on the side or pour it over the potatoes and eggs for a complete dish.

Enjoying the Meal

Frankfurter Grüne Soße is best enjoyed in the company of friends and family. Traditionally, this dish is served cold. Pair it with a light, crisp white wine to complement the herby flavors. The vibrant green color and fresh taste make it the perfect spring or summer meal that pays homage to traditional German cuisine.

Make sure to have a cooking timer handy to track all preparation steps accurately and enjoy the process of bringing a piece of Frankfurt to your table.