Böblingen’s Beloved Fish Soup: A Tradition of Community and Culinary Consistency
For 46 years, the aroma of fish soup has signaled the start of Lent in Böblingen, Germany. This Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday) tradition isn’t just about a delicious meal. it’s a deeply rooted community event raising funds for charitable causes. But what makes this soup so special, and who keeps the tradition alive?
The Recipe That Time Forgot
Remarkably, the Böblingen fish soup has been prepared using the same recipe since 1980. Josef Thaller, alongside the Stuttgarter Kochkolleg, originally created the recipe. Today, the culinary responsibility rests with the kitchen team of the Baden-Württemberg Police University in Böblingen, located in the Wildermuth-Kaserne.
The team, led by Jan Braitmaier and Elea Schumann, processes substantial quantities of fish – including zander (pike-perch) and salmon – along with vegetables and potatoes. Hundreds of liters of soup are prepared to satisfy the hungry crowds each year.
From Hausfrauenbund to Police Chefs: A Changing of the Guard
The preparation of the soup has evolved over the decades. Initially, the Hausfrauenbund (a women’s organization) took charge of the cooking. Now, the skilled chefs from the Police University maintain the tradition, balancing their regular duties – preparing 1000 daily meals for the police force – with the massive undertaking of the fish soup event.
A Labor of Love and Logistics
The process is intensive. Days before Aschermittwoch, the kitchen team is hard at work, chopping leeks, celery, onions, potatoes, and mushrooms. Fish is meticulously filleted. The fish stock requires 50 kilograms of fish carcasses simmered in large 250-liter kettles with vegetables and herbs.
Supporting Local Charities
The event serves a vital purpose: fundraising. Proceeds benefit the MS-Hilfsverein “Amsel” (Multiple Sclerosis Aid Association) and other local charities in Böblingen. Over the years, the Fischsuppenessen has collectively raised more than 400,000 euros.
The “Suppe Marsch” and the Red Cross
When the call of “Suppe Marsch” (Soup March) rings out around 6:00 PM, the Red Cross team distributes the soup to eager guests in the Kongresshalle Böblingen’s Europa-Saal. This efficient distribution system has become a hallmark of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long has the Böblingen fish soup tradition been running? For 46 years.
- Who prepares the soup now? The kitchen team of the Baden-Württemberg Police University in Böblingen.
- What charities benefit from the event? The MS-Hilfsverein “Amsel” and other local charities in Böblingen.
- Where does the event grab place? In the Europa-Saal of the Kongresshalle Böblingen.
Pro Tip: Arrive early! The Fischsuppenessen is a popular event, and the soup is in high demand.
Want to learn more about Böblingen’s cultural events? Visit the city’s official website.
