Rumfordsche Suppe

Rumfordsche suppe or Rumford’s soup is a traditional soup originating from Munich and Bavaria. The soup was invented by Sir Benjamin Thompson (Count Rumford) around 1800, and it was intended for the poor and the prisoners. It usually consists of pearl barley, dried peas, potatoes, beer, and salt. The soup is slowly simmered until it thickens, and bread is then added before serving the soup. Although it’s not considered tasty, Rumford’s soup is palatable due to its long cooking time. Nowadays, the soup can sometimes be enjoyed at Oktoberfest’s historical section that recreates the festival in its olden days. If desired, it can be seasoned with malt vinegar and garnished with chopped parsley.