Imagine a soup so legendary that it was born from a clever traveler's wit, a tale of community, and the power of sharing. Sopa de Pedra, or "Rock Soup," is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that turns a simple stone into a delicious feast! This traditional Portuguese recipe carries centuries of storytelling, where creativity and hospitality blend into a heartwarming dish that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Portuguese
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 rock (cleaned)
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Clean the rock thoroughly under running water to ensure it is free of dirt and debris. Set it aside.
- Peel and dice the carrots and potatoes into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Chop the onion finely.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots and potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and carefully add the cleaned rock to the pot. This is the traditional element of "Sopa de Pedra," symbolizing the essence of sharing and community.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After 45 minutes, check the tenderness of the vegetables. They should be soft and flavorful. If needed, adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
- Once the soup is ready, carefully remove the rock from the pot using a slotted spoon. It can be set aside as a fun conversation piece!
- Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Sopa de Pedra with crusty bread or on its own as a warm, comforting dish.
Tips
- Rock Selection: Choose a clean, smooth river rock about the size of your palm. Always wash it thoroughly and ensure it's food-safe.
- Broth Matters: Use high-quality chicken broth for deeper flavor. Homemade is best, but a good store-bought version works perfectly.
- Vegetable Cutting: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Simmering Secret: Low and slow is the key. Allow the soup to simmer gently to develop rich, complex flavors.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty Portuguese bread for an authentic experience.
- Storage Tip: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
