Stone Soup
Stone Soup is a hearty and comforting soup rooted in folklore and community spirit. Using simple, everyday ingredients like fresh vegetables, herbs, and broth, this easy-to-make recipe delivers rich, nourishing flavor perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings. With endless variations and a tradition of sharing, Stone Soup brings warmth and togetherness to your table.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Traditional
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 large, smooth clean stone (optional, for tradition and presentation)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped, for flavor and garnish
Optional Variations Add-Ins
- Diced chicken, sausage, or bacon (for a hearty meat version)
- Mushrooms, kale, zucchini (for a vegan twist)
- Crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
- Cooked rice, barley, or quinoa (to make soup more filling)
- Grated Parmesan cheese or sour cream (for a creamy topping)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and comfortable eating. If using a physical stone, clean and sterilize it thoroughly.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and celery. Cook until fragrant and translucent, building a flavorful base.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Stir in chopped potatoes, carrots, and any additional vegetables. Pour in the broth and carefully place the clean stone into the pot if desired to honor tradition. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender: Let the soup cook gently for 30-40 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender and the flavors meld well. Stir occasionally and season gradually with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the stone if used. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or sprinkle grated cheese if desired. Enjoy warm and comforting.
Notes
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for best flavor and nutrition.
- Don’t skip sautéing aromatics; it adds valuable depth to the soup.
- Customize broth with homemade stock or bouillon cubes to enhance richness.
- If using a physical stone, sterilize it thoroughly to ensure food safety.
- Season gradually and taste throughout cooking to avoid over-salting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: stone soup, hearty soup, vegetable soup, comforting meal, folklore recipe, easy dinner, budget-friendly soup, family meal, vegan soup, adaptable soup