Germany By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Germany: Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce (Recipe)

Frankfurt green herb sauce served with boiled potatoes and eggs

In this article

Discover Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce, the cool, herb-packed pride of Frankfurt am Main! This vibrant green sauce blends a bouquet of seven fresh herbs into a creamy, tangy base that comes together in minutes. Traditionally spooned over boiled potatoes and eggs, it is a refreshing taste of Hessian summer that anyone can recreate at home. Bring a little Frankfurt flair to your own table with this effortless classic.

About Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce

Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce is a delicious and traditional dish from Germany, closely tied to the region around Frankfurt am Main. Its character comes from a generous combination of fresh herbs, among them parsley, chives, borage and several other aromatic leaves. The sauce is not only simple to prepare but also brings the unmistakable flavour of German cooking to the table. It is typically served with potatoes and eggs, a pairing that makes for a wonderfully harmonious meal.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

100 g fresh parsley
50 g fresh chives
50 g fresh borage
1 tub soured cream (250 g)
1 tub yoghurt (100 g)
2 tsp mustard
1–2 tbsp vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Shopping for the ingredients

For the best Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce, fresh ingredients are absolutely essential. The herbs are best bought directly from a greengrocer or at a local market, where you can be sure of the quality. Look for leaves that are crisp and bright, as their freshness has a real influence on the flavour of the finished sauce. If you cannot find the herbs fresh, frozen alternatives will do at a pinch, though the taste will not be quite the same.

Preparing the dish

Before you start making Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce, gather all of your ingredients in one place. Wash the fresh herbs thoroughly under running water to remove any grit or residue. Shake them dry and roughly chop the leaves so they are ready to go. This bit of preparation is key to a smooth, unhurried process and to making sure all of the herb aromas come through at their best.

Step-by-step instructions

Finely chop the fresh herbs (parsley, chives and borage) and tip them into a bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine the soured cream and the yoghurt.
Add the mustard and the vinegar and stir well until everything is evenly blended.
Fold the chopped herbs through the yoghurt and cream mixture.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill the sauce in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavours can develop.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce is naturally gluten-free and easy to make lactose-free, as long as you choose suitable swaps for the dairy. In place of soured cream and yoghurt, reach for plant-based yoghurt alternatives made from oats or soya. If you have coeliac disease, double-check that the products you pick are certified gluten-free. That way anyone with particular dietary needs can still enjoy the sauce without missing out.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

This sauce lends itself beautifully to a vegan version, as it can be put together with plant-based ingredients alone. Instead of soured cream and yoghurt, use vegan options such as coconut yoghurt or an almond-based cream. These choices not only keep the dish free of animal products but also add an interesting twist to the flavour. Just be sure to balance the other ingredients carefully around your plant-based alternatives for a harmonious result. The same fresh, herby approach shines in Herb Spätzle.

More tips and tricks

When making Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce, feel free to experiment with different herbs to discover new flavour notes. Adding a little chervil or mint, for example, can give the sauce a whole new dimension. Another good tip is to prepare it a few hours ahead so the flavours have plenty of time to mingle. This kind of forward planning saves time when guests are coming over or when you are cooking a tasty meal for the family.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

Personal preference plays a real part in how you make Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce. If you favour a gentler herb note, reduce the quantity of herbs or swap in milder-tasting leaves. Prefer a bit of heat? Add a touch of chilli or extra pepper. Play around with different seasonings until the recipe matches your own taste exactly, so it turns out delicious every single time.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have every ingredient to hand, or simply fancy a change, Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce offers plenty of room for adjustment. In place of borage you might use cream cheese or even a little parsley root. You can also experiment with different vinegars, such as balsamic or cider vinegar, for a slightly different flavour. The possibilities are almost endless, so everyone can find their own perfect version — much as you would tweak a comforting plate of Eggs in Mustard Sauce.

Drink pairing ideas

When choosing drinks to go with Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce, light and refreshing options work best. A well-chilled white wine pairs beautifully with the sauce’s fresh, herby aromas. If you would rather stay alcohol-free, a homemade iced tea or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon makes a lovely choice. A light lager can also be a flavourful companion without overpowering the dish.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation matters when it comes to Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce. Serve the sauce in a small, decorative bowl set on a colourful plate dressed with a few fresh herbs. Round out the dish with a garnish of sliced egg and boiled potatoes to bring the colours and flavours together. An appealing presentation not only makes the meal more inviting but also lifts the whole eating experience — the same care you might give a plate of Potato Pancakes with Apple Sauce.

A bit of history

Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce has a long tradition and is deeply rooted in its home region. It became part of Frankfurt’s local cooking as far back as the 19th century and has since established itself as one of the city’s most famous dishes. The combination of fresh herbs and simple yet high-quality ingredients reflects the philosophy of Hessian cuisine. Today the sauce is often served at festivals and celebrations, which has cemented its status as a true classic — right alongside Frankfurt treats such as Frankfurt Marzipan Balls.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce

Frankfurt Green Herb Sauce is a tasty and traditional dish that is easy to prepare and makes a superb partner for potatoes and eggs. Thanks to its medley of fresh herbs, you can adjust and vary the flavour exactly to your liking. With its lively colour and refreshing taste, the sauce becomes the highlight of any meal. Enjoy a little piece of German culinary tradition and bring a touch of Frankfurt flair to your own table!