Professor Soups + Focaccia House

10/09/2026

10/08/2026

The Soup That Brings Good Luck! 🇮🇹🥣
Professor Soup's DIG (Daily Italian Gem) #26

Did you know that Italians believe eating lentils brings good fortune?

In Italy, lentils are traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve because their small, round shape resembles ancient Roman coins. The more lentils you eat, the more prosperity you can expect in the coming year!

The tradition dates back to ancient Rome, when people reportedly gave little bags of lentils as gifts, hoping they would turn into money.

Today, Italians still celebrate with lentils, often served with cotechino (a traditional pork sausage) or in a hearty soup.

So next time someone tells you money doesn't grow on trees, remind them that in Italy, apparently it grows in soup bowls! 😂🇮🇹🥣

10/05/2026

Italy Has a Soup Called “Cooked Water” 🇮🇹🥣
Professor Soup's DIG (Daily Italian Gem) #25

Did you know that one of Tuscany’s traditional soups is literally called Acquacotta — “cooked water”?

It started as a simple meal for farmers and shepherds who made dinner with whatever they had: water, onions, tomatoes, vegetables, stale bread and, when available, an egg on top.

Like many dishes from Italy’s cucina povera—“poor cooking”—the idea was simple: waste nothing and make something delicious out of almost nothing.

“Cooked Water” probably wouldn’t sell very well, though, so we’ll stick to our current menu🙂