Long before she became a Grammy-winning country singer, theme park owner, author and philanthropist, Dolly Parton was a country girl growing up in rural Tennessee. She talks fondly about the love and support from her mother Avie Lee Parton, who taught her children to appreciate good, home-cooked Southern food.
This recipe for stone soup is the perfect example. It’s a simple vegetable soup that’s flavorful and filling, but Avie Lee made it extra special for her children.
What Is Stone Soup?
There are many children’s books about stone soup, including the classic Stone Soup by Ann McGovern. This story is based on a folktale that goes back centuries. It tells of a hungry traveler who convinces villagers that he can create a delicious soup with only boiling water and a stone. Little by little, the curious villagers offer to contribute—a turnip here, a potato there—until finally there’s a big pot of hearty soup for everyone to share. And in the end, the villagers believe a magic stone created the wonderful soup.
How to Make Stone Soup
The recipe makes a big pot of thick soup that will feed at least 8 people. It’s a great way to use up the odds and ends of leftover vegetables from your refrigerator.
Don’t forget to choose a special stone for the soup! Dolly Parton told The Hallmark Channel that her mother would send each kid out to the farmyard to choose a stone and scrub it clean. Their mother would then pick one stone, always the one belonging to the child who needed extra love that day, and add it to the soup pot with whatever scraps of vegetables and meat were available. The children believed that it was their stone that made the soup so good.
Ingredients
- 2 quarts low-salt chicken broth
- 1 pound russet potatoes, scrubbed, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 small head cabbage, coarsely chopped
- 1 pound turnips, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 1 very clean stone
- Salt and pepper
Directions
Step 1: Put ingredients in a pot
Pour the chicken broth into a large stockpot. Add in the diced potatoes, diced tomatoes and their liquid, chopped cabbage, diced turnips, diced carrot, diced onions, minced garlic and ham hock.
Place the stone into the soup.
Step 2: Simmer
Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer it uncovered for about 2 hours. Stir the soup occasionally during simmering.
Step 3: Add the meat from the ham hock
Scoop the ham hock from the soup and place it on a cutting board. Remove the skin and discard. Remove the meat and use a sharp knife to dice it. Add the diced meat back into the soup, discarding the bone.
Step 4: Season and serve
Taste the soup; it will have some saltiness from the stock and ham hock, but you can add more if it needs some, along with black pepper to taste. Remove the stone from the soup. (You can wash the stone and save it for the next batch.) Serve the soup while it’s hot.
What Does Dolly Parton’s Stone Soup Taste Like?
The soup has a wonderful, savory flavor with a touch of smokiness from the ham hock. The vegetables are tender and make the soup really thick and hearty.
Of course, as the legend says, it’s that carefully chosen stone that gives the soup the most flavor!
Leftovers are easy to reheat in the microwave and taste even better on the second day. If the soup seems too thick, add a small splash of water or stock to loosen it up.
Next, we’re making Dolly Parton’s chicken and dumplings.
The Best Soups from Grandma's Kitchen
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Chicken Potpie Soup
My grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook. She included this amazing pie crust, and I added the delicious soup for it. —Karen LeMay, Seabrook, Texas
Grandma's Pea Soup
My grandma's pea soup recipe was a family favorite. What makes it different from any other pea soups I have tried is the addition of whole peas, spaetzle-like "dumplings" and sausage. Try it once and you'll be hooked. —Carole Talcott, Dahinda, Illinois
Slow-Cooked Loaded Potato Soup
I like to put twists on my grandmother's recipes, which is what I did with this one. I look forward to passing my own delicious comfort food recipes to my kids. —Jamie Chase, Rising Sun, Indiana
Ham and White Bean Soup
I came up with this recipe when I wanted to make dinner in the slow cooker but didn't have time to go to the grocery store. I went through my freezer and cupboards, throwing in what I thought would go well together. —Stacey Cornell, Saratoga Springs, New York
Ground Beef Veggie Stew
This is a wonderful, hearty stew to help use up all the late-summer veggies in your garden. I like that it's filling enough to make a meal, and it's good for you too! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Lemony Turkey Rice Soup
While growing up in Texas, I spent a lot of time helping my grandma cook. Lemon and cilantro add a deliciously different twist to turkey soup. —Margarita Cuellar, East Chicago, Indiana
Grandma's Chicken 'n' Dumpling Soup
I've enjoyed making this rich homemade chicken dumpling soup recipe for more than 40 years. Every time I serve this type of soup, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois
Turkey Soup
My daughter got this recipe from her husband's mother. As in many households, our turkey gets picked over for a few days after the holidays. This soup is especially good on cold winter nights when it's snowing...which happens a lot where I live! —Carol Brethauer, Denver, Colorado
Curry Chicken Stew
My Grandma Inky grew up in India and passed down this recipe to my mother, who then passed it down to me. The recipe brings back fond memories of the family gathered around the table, enjoying this delicious meal and catching up on one another's day. I tweaked the ingredients a bit to fit my toddler's taste buds, but it's just as scrumptious as Grandma's own. —Teresa Flowers, Sacramento, California
Hearty Quinoa & Corn Chowder
My grandmother lived in the Appalachian Mountains and always served straight-from-the-garden corn and beans. I updated her dish with quinoa and herbs. — Kari Napier, Louisville, Kentucky
Rivel Soup
For years, I'd been trying to figure out how my grandmother made her rivel soup. Then I discovered that it wasn't just something she came up with, but a prized heirloom recipe. Many families have their own special version. —Kathy Kegley, Rural Retreat, Virginia
Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
This creamy recipe brings two of my absolute favorite foods together in one! The tomato, fresh lettuce and crisp bacon toppers make this soup taste as if it's burger time. —Geoff Bales, Hemet, California
Grandma's Seafood Chowder
My grandmother makes this every year for Christmas morning—the only time we ever had it. Why wait, when you can enjoy this satisfying chowder anytime? It's also delicious topped with biscuits! —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York
Ground Beef Barley Soup
I first tasted this soup when a friend served it to our family one day after church. It's now a favorite with our family, especially our three children. —Maggie Norman, Stevensville, Montana
Carrot Chowder
My husband's grandmother passed this recipe on to us, and it's just wonderful—especially with a basket of warm, fresh bread on the side. This soup freezes well. —Wendy Wilkins, Prattville, Alabama
Chunky Creamy Chicken Soup
I am a stay-at-home mom who relies on my slow cooker for fast, nutritious meals with minimal cleanup and prep time. I knew this recipe was a hit when I didn't have any leftovers and my husband asked me to make it again. —Nancy Clow, Mallorytown, Ontario
Creamy Sweet Potato and Veggie Soup
I tasted a delicious soup in a restaurant but couldn't persuade the chef to share the recipe, so I began to experiment on my own. Finally, I came up with this blend, which is very close to what I tasted—maybe even better! —Audrey Nemeth, Mount Vernon, Maine
Cheesy Chicken Chowder
I like to serve this hearty chowder as a meal with garlic bread and a salad. It's a wonderful dish to prepare for any occasion. The rich, mild flavor and the tender chicken and vegetables appeal even to children and picky eaters. —Hazel Fritchie, Palestine, Illinois
Crab and Corn Chowder
I started cooking at a local restaurant when I was 16 years old. This creamy chowder was one of the soups we made. The recipe had been passed from cook to cook— but had never been written down, until now!
Country Fish Chowder
You'll think you're on Cape Cod when you taste this thick, wholesome chowder made from a recipe I've treasured for many years. It's one of my husband's favorites. He likes it more and more because over the years I've "customized" the basic recipe by including ingredients he enjoys. —Linda Lazaroff, Hebron, Connecticut
Cheddar Ham Chowder
I often freeze this soup and thaw it for a fast easy meal. Since it's hearty, all I need to add are rolls or bread and a salad. —Ann Heine, Mission Hill, South Dakota
Old-Fashioned Tomato Soup
Mother made this soup when I was a child, and it was always one of my favorites. After 75 years, it still is! Mother's cellar was filled with home-canned vegetables, so the basic ingredient of this soup was right at hand. It never took her long to make a kettle of this wonderful soup. —Wilma Miller, Port Angeles, Washington
Best Broccoli Soup
Here's a creamy, comforting broccoli soup. It's a delicious way to eat your vegetables. —Carolyn Weinberg, Custer, Montana
Creamy Carrot Soup
Both the bright orange color and the deliciously different flavor of this soup delight guests. A hint of rosemary adds a nice spark to a slightly sweet soup. —Grace Yaskovic, Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey
French Onion Soup
My daughter and I enjoy spending time together cooking, but our days are busy so we appreciate quick and tasty recipes like this one. Hot and delicious, this soup hits the spot for lunch or dinner. —Sandra Chambers, Carthage, Mississippi
Macaroni and Cheese Soup
I have worked in the food service industry for too many years to count and have made this one-of-a-kind soup at many different jobs. It's always been a big hit. —Emma Head, Sunrise Beach, Missouri
Potato Clam Chowder
I ran across this recipe in one of my antique cookbooks. It's a timeless classic I like to prepare for friends and family throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. —Betty Ann Morgan, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Golden Squash Soup
This special recipe from my mother-in-law is one that I enjoy making as part of our fall meals. The soup is so pretty that it dresses up the table. We think it hits the spot on crisp evenings. —Maryann Klein, Washington Township, New Jersey
Lima Bean Soup
A yearly Lima Bean Festival in nearby West Cape May honors the many growers there and showcases different recipes using their crops. This comforting chowder was a contest winner at the festival several years ago. —Kathleen Olsack, North Cape May, New Jersey
Slow-Cooked Sauerkraut Soup
We live in Lancaster County, which has a rich heritage of German culture. Our dishes often include sauerkraut, potatoes and sausage. We enjoy this recipe on cold winter evenings, along with muffins and fruit. —Linda Lohr, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Priscilla's Vegetable Chowder
This is the perfect soup to warm up with on a cold fall or winter day. Serve it in a bread bowl to make it extra special. —Rhodes Bake-N-Serv, Jenna Jackson, Salt Lake City, Utah
Contest-Winning Hearty Hamburger Soup
At family get-togethers, our children always request this spirit-warming ground beef soup along with a fresh loaf of homemade bread and tall glasses of milk. This hamburger soup has robust flavor, plenty of fresh-tasting vegetables and is easy to make. —Barbara Brown, Janesville, Wisconsin
Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup
A good friend made us this rich, comforting, creamy chicken noodle soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah
Beefy Bacon Chowder
Rave reviews are sure to follow when this creamy chowder appears on the table. Bacon makes it rich and hearty. It's a favorite with my whole family. —Nancy Schmidt, Center, Colorado.
Cream Cheese Chicken Soup
After tasting a similar soup in a restaurant, I went home and cooked up my own version. It's so soothing on a winter evening served with crusty French bread. For a change of pace, try substituting ham or turkey for the chicken. —Kathleen Rappleye, Mesa, Arizona
Cream of Cauliflower Soup
This mildly cheesy cauliflower soup is a favorite of mine. I make it often in summer, although it's good anytime. —Karen Brown, West Lafayette, Ohio
Hearty Vegetable Soup
A friend gave me the idea to use V8 juice in vegetable soup because it provides more flavor. My best vegetable soup recipe is perfect to prepare on a crisp autumn afternoon. —Janice Steinmetz, Somers, Connecticut
Fresh Pumpkin Soup
This appealing soup harvests the fall flavors of just-picked pumpkins and tart apples and is sure to warm you up on a crisp autumn day. I top the creamy puree with a sprinkling of toasted pumpkin seeds. —Jane Shapton, Irvine, California
Spicy Chicken Tomato Soup
Cumin, chili powder and cayenne pepper give my slow-cooked specialty its kick. I serve bowls of it with crunchy tortilla strips that bake in no time. Leftover soup freezes well for nights I don’t feel like cooking. —Margaret Bailey, Coffeeville, Mississippi
Seafood Bisque
We live on the Gulf Coast, where fresh seafood is plentiful. I adapted several recipes to come up with this rich bisque. It's great as a first course or an entree, and it can be made with just shrimp or crabmeat. —Pat Edwards, Dauphin Island, Alabama
Red Bean Vegetable Soup
Cajun seasoning boosts the flavor of this brothy soup. The easy recipe makes a big batch that's loaded with beans and fresh veggies. —Ronnie Lappe, Brownwood, Texas
Beef Vegetable Soup
This nicely seasoned soup tastes so good. It's convenient, too, since it simmers all day in the slow cooker. —Jean Hutzell, Dubuque, Iowa
Shrimp Chowder
I simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana
Lemony Chicken Soup
While living in California, I enjoyed a delicious chicken-lemon soup at a local restaurant. When I returned to Texas, I experimented with many versions before landing on this one. —Brenda Tollett, San Antonio, Texas
Minestrone with Turkey
I remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Vegetable Lentil Soup
Here’s a healthy slow-cooker soup that's ideal for vegetarians and those watching their weight. Butternut squash and lentils make it hearty, while herbs and other veggies round out the flavor. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin
Cheesy Corn Chowder
I've had this chowder recipe for 30 years, and the whole family really enjoys its cheesy corn taste. It makes a big pot—enough for seconds! —Lola Comer, Marysville, Washington
Potato Soup
I decided to add some character to a basic potato chowder with a jar of roasted red peppers. The extra flavor gives a deliciously different twist to an otherwise ordinary soup. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Bacon-Beef Barley Soup
Here’s a robust dish that’s perfect for hungry teenagers! Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this quick, comforting soup really hits the spot. —Cathy Peterson, Menominee, Michigan
Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup
After tasting a similar soup at a restaurant, I created this quick and tasty version. The pesto adds an extra-nice Italian flavor that is often missing from other gnocchi soups. —Deanna Smith, Des Moines, Iowa t
Asparagus Soup with Lemon Creme Fraiche
A fresh and easy asparagus soup, pureed until it's smooth, is a definite winner. Serve it warm or chilled depending on the weather.—Fern Vitense, Tipton, Iowa
White Bean Soup with Escarole
This escarole and bean soup has become a favorite because it uses kitchen staples, it's packed with healthy ingredients and is a cinch to prepare. If I can't find escarole, I sub fresh spinach at the very end of cooking. —Gina Samokar, North Haven, Connecticut
Bloody Mary Soup with Beans
I love a good Bloody Mary, which inspired this recipe. The soup packs a spicy punch, and it'll warm you right up on a chilly day. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Hearty Sausage Minestrone
As a teacher, I appreciate quick and easy recipes. If I make this for just my husband and me, we have leftovers for lunches. But when there are more people at the table, every bit is eaten. —Tami Stoudt, Evans, Colorado
Garden Minestrone
At Italian restaurants, I always order minestrone. After doing many trial-and-error batches, I developed a hearty veggie soup my whole family craves—kids and all. —Hillery Martin, Junction City, Kansas
Cheesy Ham & Corn Chowder
When the day calls for a warm bowl of chunky soup, we make a big pot of the goods—potatoes, corn, ham and cheese. —Andrea Laidlaw, Shady Side, Maryland
Turkey Sausage and Lentil Soup
This recipe was given to me by my son, Chris, and we have it several times during the winter months. —Kathy Mazur, Sarasota, Florida
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
I think mushrooms often get used only to add flavor, but I think they are delicious enough to be the main part of a meal. This recipe uses a large quantity of mushrooms and the result is delicious. Even though this contains some dairy, it freezes quite well! —Wendy Campbell, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania
Turkey and Dumpling Soup
To show some love at a family gathering, I fill a stockpot with this rich turkey soup brimming with veggies, potatoes and dumplings. —Lea Lidel, Leander, Texas
Provencal Ham & Bean Soup
There is nothing quite like the wonderful feeling of when you open the door and smell this delicious stew bubbling away in the slow cooker. To make preparation even easier, I like to start it the night before, and then all I have to do is turn on the slow cooker in the morning. —Lyndsay Wells, Ladysmith, British Columbia
Market Basket Soup
I use kohlrabi in this soothing veggie soup. The vegetable has a mellow broccoli-cabbage flavor and can be served raw, but this is my favorite way to eat it. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooked Meatball Soup
As a mother, I try to sneak as many veggies into my daughter's diet as I can. This savory soup with meatballs and pasta does the trick. Best of all, the whole family loves it! —Kymm Wills, Phoenix, AZ
Pizza Soup with Garlic Toast Croutons
This comforting soup satisfies our pizza cravings. It's super versatile, too, and I sometimes substitute light Italian sausage for the chicken or add a little Parmesan cheese. Go nuts and add all your favorite pizza toppings! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, TX
Chicken & Vegetable Wild Rice Soup
This go-to weeknight recipe is one I tweaked over and over till it was just right. It has morphed from a labor-intensive wintry bowl to a steamy, comforting, slow-cooked favorite for our family. —Courtney Riggin, Hatchechubbee, AlabamaThe post I Made Dolly Parton’s ‘Stone Soup,’ and Now I See Why Her Mama Loved the Recipe appeared first on Taste of Home.
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