Blog recipe. The Lenten soup
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. In many Tyrolean communities, the traditional Lenten soup is prepared.
Exuberant celebrations and culinary delights are as much a part of Fasching as the costumes themselves. Ash Wednesday marks the end of the carnival season and heralds the start of the 40-day Lent. It is a special time of year full of reflection, self-denial and preparation for Easter, the most important festival in the Christian church. Even though its religious character has taken a back seat for many today, Lent remains an important time to pause, refocus and prepare for the Easter.
Tradition on Ash Wednesday
In Tyrol, Lenten soup is a tradition on Ash Wednesday! Church organisations and/or associations cook the Lenten soup together with volunteers. It is usually served in exchange for voluntary donations. The money goes towards social projects. This custom is also very much alive in Hall and the surrounding villages.
Not only on Ash Wednesday, but throughout the whole of Lent, this delicious soup is a simple and, above all, healthy way to observe these 40 days leading up to Easter. What’s particularly lovely about it is that you can use regional produce. You’ll find these very easily, by the way, in the farm shops across our 11 parishes. You can find a list of products in our database of regional food and farm shops.
How to make fasting soup
It’s very easy to make, and the recipe varies from region to region. Today we’re introducing a version made with root vegetables.
List of ingredients for Lenten soup
- 30 g butter
- 2 small onions
- 30 g flour
- 1/2 kg floury potatoes
- Root vegetables (carrots, celeriac, leek)
- a good 1 litre of water to add
- Seasonings such as salt, pepper, stock, bay leaf, marjoram, parsley and chives
Fry the finely chopped onion in butter until golden brown. Add the flour and fry briefly as well, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Then pour in the water and season to taste. Dice the potatoes, add them to the pan and cook until tender. Add the finely chopped vegetables. Season the soup to taste once more and serve.
Good luck and enjoy your meal!
You can find more recipe ideas herer.