Author's Note

In the pages of The Electrician and the Seamstress, we delve into the wartime culinary chronicles of Karla as she navigates the challenges of rationing. Potato Soup, accompanied by rustic rolls, emerged as a staple dinner on Karla's familial table, reflecting the resourcefulness demanded by the scarcity of food during the war.

Karla and her husband, Bruno despised the Nazis and the ideology they forced on the German citizens. Within this historical tapestry, Karla's life took an unexpected turn under the shadow of the Nazis. Forced into roles far removed from her musical passion, she found solace in singing and playing the piano, endeavors that brimmed with immense joy. Determined to preserve her inner light, she resisted allowing the Nazis to strip away the very source of her happiness.

The oppressive forces compelled Karla into the duties of a translator and a seamstress. The latter role, however, carried a poignant weight as she grappled with the task of mending uniforms worn by deceased soldiers, repurposed in a grim recycling effort orchestrated by the Nazis. In this narrative, the act of sewing became not just a practical skill but a connection to the stories and sacrifices woven into the fabric of wartime existence. Karla's resilience shines through as she confronted adversity, finding strength in her music and sewing to endure the challenges imposed upon her by a tumultuous era.

Karla’s Potato Soup

Born in the heart of traditional home cooking, this Rustic Potato Soup is a testament to the simplicity and nourishment that defines comfort food. With roots stretching back to the humble kitchens of the countryside, this recipe tells a story of warmth, sustenance, and the magic of combining simple ingredients.

This Rustic Potato Soup isn't just a recipe; it's a narrative of comfort, a reminder of the warmth that simple, nourishing food brings to our tables and our lives. It's a dish that speaks of home, of the love of cooking, and of the timeless joy of sharing a meal made with care.

Considered International, this soup's composition and simplicity suggest a strong influence from European, particularly Northern and Eastern European, culinary traditions.

Can be enjoyed along side Karla's Dinner Rolls

Ingredients
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fat 1
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 leek, sliced
  • 6 cups water 2
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Herbs like parsley or chives
# indicates possible substitutions
Substitutions
  1. For: 2 tablespoons fat use: Dripping, lard, or vegetable oil
  2. For: 6 cups water use: vegetable broth
Instructions
  1. In a large pot, heat the fat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
  2. Stir in the flour to create a roux, coating the onions.
  3. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and leek to the pot. Stir well to combine with the roux.
  4. Pour in the water or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and any available herbs.
  6. Once the potatoes are soft and the flavors have melded, adjust the seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve the potato soup hot. You can garnish it with additional herbs if desired.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

Serves: 4 to 6 Servings

Category: SideDish

Cuisine: International

Updated: 1 month ago

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