Joseph's soup

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 1 onion(s)
• 1 tbsp lard
• 500 ml meat broth, strong
• 300 ml must, alternatively mild white wine
• 4 potatoes, floury
• salt and pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Caraway seeds
• 200 ml sweet cream
• 100 g bacon cubes
• 2 tbsp chives or parsley, chopped

Instructions

Working time approx. 10 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 25 minutes; Total time approx. 35 minutes

Traditional dish of carpenters and lumberjacks in Styria

On March 19th, Styrian people commemorate their patron saint, Joseph of Nazareth, Mary’s husband. As a carpenter, he is the patron saint of all craftsmen who work with wood. He is also said to protect the lumberjacks during their dangerous work. Roast the onion in fat until golden brown. Pour in the soup and cider or wine. Add the peeled and diced potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, bay leaf, and caraway seeds. Simmer the soup over low heat for 25 minutes. Fry the bacon cubes until crispy. Just before serving, add cream to the soup, but do not let it boil again, otherwise it will curdle. Serve sprinkled with the bacon cubes and herbs.