Do you see the signs of Spring!
Do you feel life opening back up ...
in more ways than one!
In Germany it is
Gründonnerstag
Green Thursday,
What exactly is Green Thursday?
In America in Christian holidays it is known as
Maundy Thursday. I never knew any special foods that were prepared on this day.
However in Germany it is known as Gründonnerstag, or Green Thursday.
There are 2 dishes associated with this holiday, That I will make today.
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Gründonnerstag Suppe
Fresh Creamy Herb Soup
I found it interesting reading about a tradition in Germany called
Gründonnerstagsuppe or Green Thursday which is served on Gründonnerstag or Maundy Thursday.
The tradition itself is more about the green being a symbol for new life,
after a long hard winter, the new green herbs give us enrichment for life.
I served these with Barb Rokitka's recipe for Kartoffelpuffer ( potato pancakes) that she sent me
The history behind this soup's name is an interesting one. The Thursday before Easter is often called Gründonnerstag in Germany. However in this case, grün , or green, is a modern day corruption of an old, medieval word, greinen , which means to cry. In Christian tradition, the Thursday before Easter is the day on which Christ held the Last Supper and was later betrayed. The medieval word greinen marked this day as one of sorrow for Christ's eventual martyrdom. Maundy is a word that meant something similar to "begging". Today, despite the origin of the day's name, many Germans eat green meals on Gründonnerstag.
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I have seen some recipes that call for 7 herbs and some that call for 9.
The nine has to do with and ancient tradition that it should be 3 x the divine number 3.
Some of the herbs that are used are spinach, parsley, leeks, chives, dandelion and sorrel. I have also seen Mugwort, Nettle, Watercress, Daisies and Dandelion. |
Here is another use for your dandelions greens, in this soup!
As one German author put it According to ancient tradition, If one or the other herbs is not palpable, we may substitute, for "Traditions are like street lamps. They show the way, but only a drunkard clings to her!" (P. Werner)
All the herbs are noted for different medicinal purposes as well, and meant to help you get through the year healthy.
The leftover soup can be used as a sauce and served with hard boiled egg halves, or as a topping for asparagus. |
Children bringing in the new Spring by eating Grundonnerstagsuppe with some crusty bread, and fresh flowers on the table! |
Come into my kitchen and let's make
Grünerdonnerstag suppe with step by step pictures
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However the origin of this holiday started, from it,
came a wonderful tradition of eating green vegetables.
In Frankfurt they make a "Green Sauce" or Grüne Soße
out of 7 herbs, often called the 7 sacred herbs and traditionally
served with potatoes and boiled eggs.
I love THIS dish and will have it today.
You may want to try it .
It is so popular in Frankfurt
that they sell the 7 sacred herbs
In a bundle ready to chop.
Eier mit Grüner Sosse
There is even a festival that happens normally in Frankurt,
It is fun to watch this and how they serve the Eier mit Grün Soße.
 
Round Spaetzle Pan
stainless steel
with Scraper
I like this round version of the spaetzle tool as it fits nicely on a pot. Many great reviews on this pan.
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Westmark Spaetzle press
This is a wonderful tool from Germany, that makes the longer Spaetzle noodles. My German friend brought one over from Germany for me.
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Empty Table
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