Annie Rauwerda, a TikToker going by the handle @depthsofwikipedia, has unexpectedly found herself in the spotlight after documenting her experience making a medieval soup known as perpetual stew. This unique and centuries-old dish involves constantly simmering and replenishing the ingredients of a single batch of soup, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth.
The concept of perpetual stew dates back to the 14th century in Poland. The stew is continuously skimmed and strained, removing any solids and leaving behind a dark, flavorful broth. The beauty of this stew lies in its ever-evolving flavor profile, as each new iteration of ingredients adds complexity and depth.
Rauwerda first announced her intention to make perpetual stew on TikTok in June, attracting a considerable amount of attention. With over 327,000 views and 35,000 likes on her initial video, it’s clear that her experiment struck a chord with viewers.
In subsequent videos, Rauwerda showcased her Crockpot, which served as the vessel for her stew, and invited friends to add their own ingredients to the concoction. To ensure food safety, it’s important to maintain the stew at a temperature of around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the days passed, Rauwerda provided updates on the progress of the stew. She mentioned that the flavor was affected by an overpowering amount of dill on the fourth day. Undeterred by this setback, she hosted a gathering in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood, inviting strangers to contribute to the stew and taste the ever-famous dish.
Rauwerda’s stew parties garnered significant attention, with approximately 50 people attending to add their unique ingredients and enjoy a bowl of the flavorful stew. Rauwerda even became known as stew girl among locals, recognizing her efforts to revive this ancient culinary tradition.
The perpetual stew continued to simmer for a total of 30 days, with regular updates provided by Rauwerda on her dedicated website. Visitors to the site can monitor the stew’s progress, learn about its daily evolution, and read testimonials from those lucky enough to have had a taste. One enthusiastic taste-tester named Tessa Bury claimed that the stew had been life-changing.
While the concept of a never-ending pot of soup may stray from the norm of modern cooking, Rauwerda’s journey has captivated an audience fascinated by historical food practices. Her documentation of the process on TikTok and Instagram has revealed the enduring appeal of traditional dishes that have stood the test of time.
In a world where food trends come and go, the perpetual stew serves as a reminder of the rich culinary heritage that has been passed down through generations. As Rauwerda continues her stew-making adventure, the next challenge is to see how long this pot of soup can truly simmer, and what unexpected flavors and stories will emerge from its depths.
