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5.0 from 12 votes

Basler Mehlsuppe (Swiss Flour Soup from Basel)

Basler Mehlsuppe is Basel, Switzerland’s signature dish. Its name means flour soup and it’s made with browned flour, beef stock, onions, sometimes red wine, and is finished with grated Swiss cheese such as Gruyère.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 5 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 (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
  • 60 grams (½ cup) all-purpose flour
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1 quart (4 cups) beef stock or good quality beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons red wine
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • freshly grated nutmeg
  • 50 grams (about ¾ cup) shredded Gruyère cheese (or as desired)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Divide into serving bowls or cups and garnish with grated cheese before serving.

Notes

  • This mehlsuppe recipe makes 4 smaller cup size servings, but can also serve 2 larger bowl size servings, if you prefer.
  • If you have homemade beef broth or stock, definitely use it, however good quality store-bought beef broth or stock work well too! With such a minimal number of ingredients you just want to make sure they are better quality for the best results.
  • Red wine is often included in mehlsuppe, and the amount can range from a couple tablespoons to more. You can omit this ingredient if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories 253kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Monounsaturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 43mg (14%) Sodium 566mg (24%) Potassium 520mg (15%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 3g (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4small 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.