5 from 12 votes
Basler Mehlsuppe (Swiss Flour Soup from Basel)
Basler Mehlsuppe is a traditional Swiss soup made by slowly caramelizing flour in butter, then simmering it with beef stock and red wine. The soup has a deep, nutty flavor with a smooth texture, enriched by Gruyere cheese sprinkled on top. The long simmering time develops a complex taste that highlights its simple ingredients.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 35 mins
Total Time
1 hr 40 mins
Servings:
4
small servings (or 2 larger servings)
Calories:
253 kcal
Course:
Soup
Cuisine:
Swiss
Ingredients
- 55 grams unsalted butter 4 tablespoons
- 60 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 onion thinly sliced, medium
- 1 quart beef stock or good quality beef broth; 4 cups
- 2 tablespoons red wine
- salt Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper Kosher salt and freshly ground
- nutmeg freshly grated
- 50 grams gruyere cheese or as desired, about ¾ cup; shredded
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and continue to cook, stirring regularly, until the flour is a dark caramel brown, about 35 to 40 minutes. Add the onion, stirring to coat and cook for another couple minutes.
- Slowly add the beef stock, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth mixture. Add the red wine, then raise the heat to bring it to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer and continue to simmer, with the lid slightly ajar, for 1 hour to develop the flavors.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Divide into serving bowls or cups and garnish with grated cheese before serving.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- This recipe yields about four small servings or two larger portions.
- For best flavor, use homemade beef broth or a high-quality store-bought option.
- The amount of red wine can be adjusted or omitted according to preference.
- Take care to brown the flour slowly without burning to develop a proper caramel color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Calories
253kcal
(13%)
Carbohydrates
17g
(6%)
Protein
10g
(20%)
Fat
15g
(23%)
Saturated Fat
9g
(45%)
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Cholesterol
43mg
(14%)
Sodium
566mg
(24%)
Potassium
520mg
(11%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 small servings (or 2 larger servings)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 253
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 253kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 43mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 566mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 520mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.