Volume Three: The Borough of Bold Expressions

Stone Soup

A Recipe for Bold Spirits

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings 8-12 people

This recipe, like the story it comes from, works best when shared. Each ingredient represents a contribution from a caring neighbor, and the wonder lies not in any single addition, but in the coming together of many gifts.

Ingredients

  • 3 clean, smooth stones (for tradition)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb lamb stew meat, cubed (from The Reticent Hermit)
  • 2 large onions, diced (from Lady Prudence)
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped (from Mrs. Languid)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (from Mr. Dexterous)
  • 4 large potatoes, cubed (from Mr. Ostensible)
  • 3 turnips, cubed (from Mr. Probity)
  • 4 carrots, sliced (from Miss Auspicious)
  • 1 cup peas (from Young Lassitude)
  • 3 bay leaves (from Grandmother Profundity)
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme (from Dame Perspicacious)
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (from Mother Clemency)
  • Fresh bread for serving (from Little Partisan)
  • 8 cups water or broth

Instructions

  1. Place three clean stones in a large pot as a reminder of what brings us together.
  2. Heat the pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  3. Brown the lamb cubes on all sides, working in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, sauté the onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the celery and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, then add the potatoes, turnips, and carrots.
  7. Pour in the water or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  8. Add the bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
  9. Return the lamb to the pot and continue simmering for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  10. Add the peas in the final 5 minutes of cooking.
  11. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Garnish generously with fresh parsley.
  12. Serve in deep bowls with crusty bread, surrounded by good company.
  13. Remember to remove the stones before serving... they've done their work of bringing everyone together.

The wonder was never in the stones... it was in the bold hearts that dared to share.

Read the story that inspired this recipe:

The Borough of Bold Expressions →

The wonder was never in the stones...