Stone Soup is an old folk story found in many different cultures. The version I am sharing with your today is written and illustrated by Jon Muth and uses and Asian culture to tell the story.
If you are unfamiliar with the story of Stone Soup it is a story of kindness and generosity. You see in the story there are three travelers who come across a village who has seen very hard times. Because of these hard times neighbors are strangers. There is friendship or community, everyone is on their own, until the three travelers arrive. Upon arriving in the village no one greets them or offers them a place to stay and the three travelers all agreed that "these people do not know happiness." They decided to make stone soup. The three travelers make a fire in the courtyard and fill a small pot with water.
A little girl approaches the men and asks what they are doing. They tell her they are making stone soup and need three round, smooth stones. The little girl quickly finds some stones for the travelers and even offers her mothers larger pot so that more soup can be made. The travelers went on poking the fire and making their stone soup and as the fire grew so did the curiosity of the villagers. They began coming out of their homes to see what stone soup was about.
As people asked about stone soup the travelers would make comments like, "This soup would be better with salt and pepper," or "Carrots would make the broth much sweeter." With each suggestion on of the travelers made the villagers would full fill the request bringing carrots, onions, mushrooms and anything else they could think of to make the soup more delicious.
"Something magical began to happen among the villagers. As each person opened their heart to give, the next person gave even more."
When the soup was finished all the villagers game together at one large table to share the delicious meal they had made from their generosity. They shared stories, sang songs and opened their doors to give the travelers a place to stay. The travelers had reminded the villagers that sharing makes us all richer.
So whether you are going to a Super Bowl party or enjoying the day at home with only your family, enjoy some soup today and have a truly "Souper" Sunday full of richness and generosity.
Here are some of my favorite soup recipes.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
*Cut in half if you are making for 4 or less people or you will have a lot of leftovers.
1 1/2 qt. water
3 potatoes peeled and diced
3 carrots
1 onion
20 oz frozen broccoli and cauliflower
3 chicken bullion cubes
3 TBS parsley flakes
pepper
2 cans of cream soup (your choice)
1 lb of Velveeta
Cook first 8 ingredients until tender. Use immersion blender or regular blender to slightly puree the vegetables. Return to the pot on low heat and add cream soup and Velveeta. Stir well.
Chicken Stew with Tortellini
2 c. water
1 14 oz, can chicken broth
1 med. yellow squash cut
6 c. spinach or greens
1 green pepper
1 c. dried tortellini
1 med. onion cut in thin wedges
1 med. carrot sliced
1 1/2 tsp. rosemary
1/2 tsp. seasoning blend
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 c. cooked chicken
1 TBS basil
In dutch oven bring water and broth to a boil. Add squash, greens, pepper, pasta, onion, carrot, rosemary, seasoning and pepper to dutch oven. Return to boil. Reduce heat. Simmer covered for 15 min. Stir in chicken. Cook covered 5 min. Stir fresh basil in soup. Top with grated parmesan.
Don't forget reading recipes is just as great as reading books!
Happy Reading!
Laura
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