Then the old man offers to make pebble or stone soup for the village. A large pot is called for, filled with water, and placed over a big fire. Smooth pebbles or stones are called for and are dropped into the pot. The old man then asks for salt and pepper, and begins to stir the soup in the village square. He announces that these stones will make good soup, but it would be much better if there were some carrots.
Someone runs and brings carrots, then cabbage is called for and found.
As the soup is stirred someone mentions that the soup would be even better with a bit of beef, and few potatoes, and some barley and milk, all of which are added. Finally the soup was ready. Never had there been such a feast. The pebble soup story is not completely nonsense. At ceremonial dinners, the menu often included two soups, a clear and a thick.