I Made Dolly Parton’s ‘Stone Soup,’ and Now I See Why Her Mama Loved the Recipe
Updated: Sep. 22, 2023
Dolly Parton's stone soup is a flavorful comfort food that comes with the sweetest story about her mama.
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, like this stone soup recipe for 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 the story 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 Dolly Parton stone soup recipe makes a big pot 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. Try pairing it with this pecan chicken salad for a hearty meal.
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
Chicken Potpie SoupRich and creamy chicken potpie soup is a fun variation of the old-fashioned favorite, plus it cooks up in about half the time as the baked version.
Slow-Cooker Potato SoupThis slow-cooker potato soup takes all the flavor of a loaded baked potato—butter, bacon and onion—and turns it into an easy Crockpot potato soup you can serve any day of the week.
Ground Beef Veggie StewThis 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 SoupWhile 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 SoupI've enjoyed making this rich homemade chicken dumpling soup recipe for more than 40 years. Every time I serve it, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois
Hearty Quinoa & Corn ChowderMy 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
Grandma's Seafood ChowderMy 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 SoupI 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 ChowderMy 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 SoupI 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 SoupI 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 ChowderI 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 ChowderI 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 ChowderYou'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
Chicken Soup with SpaetzleHere's a new and interesting twist to traditional chicken soup. Everyone who samples it can't resist the delicious soup paired with homemade spaetzle.—Elaine Lange, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Old-Fashioned Tomato SoupMother 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 SoupHere's a creamy, comforting broccoli soup. It's a delicious way to eat your vegetables. —Carolyn Weinberg, Custer, Montana
Creamy Carrot SoupCreamy Carrot Soup is a delightful blend of sweet carrots and rich, velvety texture, perfect for a nourishing meal. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad to complete this comforting and flavorful dish.
French Onion SoupMy 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 SoupI 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 ChowderI 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 SoupThis 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 SoupThis comforting lima bean soup proves that lima beans are not to be underestimated. Buttery beans and well-seasoned veggies are the power players in this soup, topped with crispy bacon for a satisfying one-pot meal.
Slow-Cooked Sauerkraut SoupWe 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 ChowderThis 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
Hamburger SoupAt 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
Creamy Chicken Noodle SoupA batch of this creamy chicken noodle soup is our answer to soup season or flu season. The soup's satiating nature and wholesome taste will deliver warmth and coziness when you need it most.
Beefy Bacon ChowderRave 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 SoupAfter 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 SoupThis cream of cauliflower soup is a comforting blend of tender cauliflower, rich broth and cheddar cheese, creating a hearty, flavorful dish. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s ideal for cozy dinners or light lunches.
Hearty Vegetable SoupA 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 SoupThis 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
Chicken Tomato SoupCumin, 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 BisqueWe 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 SoupCajun 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 SoupHearty and flavorful, this Beef Vegetable Soup combines lean ground beef with fresh vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for chilly days, it’s an easy, comforting meal that can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Shrimp ChowderMove over, clam chowder! This shrimp chowder recipe is family-approved and ready to hit the table.
Lemony Chicken SoupWhile 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 TurkeyI 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 SoupVegetarians and veggie-curious eaters will both love this vegetable lentil soup that's equal parts healthy and tasty.
Bacon-Beef Barley SoupHere’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
Asparagus Soup with Lemon Creme FraicheA 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 EscaroleThis escarole and bean soup recipe is tasty enough to make everyone forget how healthy it is. Better yet, it's quick and easy.
Bloody Mary Soup with BeansI 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 MinestroneAs 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 MinestroneAt 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
Turkey Sausage and Lentil SoupThis 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 SoupI 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
Slow-Cooked Meatball SoupAs 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 CroutonsThis 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 SoupThis 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, Alabama
Originally Published: September 23, 2022
