Dolly Parton’s Stone Soup and Walnut Pie are two classic dishes that have been enjoyed by families for generations. Stone Soup is a hearty and comforting soup made with a variety of vegetables and broth, while Walnut Pie is a delicious and nutty dessert that is perfect for any occasion. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make both dishes so you can enjoy a taste of Dolly Parton’s kitchen in your own home.
Ingredients for Stone Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 potato, peeled and diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pasta (such as small shells or macaroni)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Ingredients for Walnut Pie:
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 unbaked pie crust
How to Make Stone Soup:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, potato, zucchini, and yellow squash to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the pasta, kidney beans, and spinach to the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Make Walnut Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool before serving. Serve slices of the Walnut Pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Stone Soup Vegetables: The combination of vegetables in Stone Soup can be varied based on what you have on hand. Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas.
- Walnuts: Walnuts are the star ingredient in Walnut Pie, adding a rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the dessert. They’re also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
- Pie Crust: Use a store-bought or homemade pie crust for this recipe. A pre-made crust makes this dessert easy to prepare, but feel free to make your own if you prefer.
- Corn Syrup: Corn syrup is used to sweeten the filling of the Walnut Pie and give it a gooey texture. You can use light or dark corn syrup, depending on your preference.
These two dishes are sure to become family favorites, just like they are in Dolly Parton’s family. Enjoy the warm and comforting Stone Soup followed by the sweet and nutty Walnut Pie for a truly satisfying meal.