THE STORY OF THE PORTUGUESE STONE SOUP (SOPA DA PEDRA)

Portuguese Stone Soup (Sopa da Pedra)

The Story of The Portuguese Stone Soup (Sopa da Pedra) is based on a tale which has been passed down for generations. While Sopa da Pedra is a comforting dish from Almeirim, filled with beans, potatoes, and cured meats that is perfect for winter, its story preserves a simple, yet flavourful lesson.

The story starts with a travelling monk, tired and hungry, who knocks on a farmer’s door asking for food. The farmer refuses. Undeterred, the monk asks for boiling water to make soup… with a stone.

Curious, the farmer agrees. The monk places a stone in the water and says, “It would taste even better with a bit of olive oil”- so the farmer gives the olive oil to him. Next, the monk adds beans, cabbage, bacon, chorizo, and some more ingredients. The farmer and his family watch as the soup comes together. When ready, the monk eats it, leaving only the stone behind.

Puzzled, the farmer asks, “And the stone?”
The monk smiles and replies, “I’ll wash it for the next soup.”

This, of course, is the heart of The Story of The Portuguese Stone Soup: transforming simple ingredients into a rich and flavourful meal.

Have you tried this iconic soup?

Find the recipe and ingredients here!

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