Pepper Pot Day – December 29

Philadelphia Pepper Pot soup was not unknown before the American Revolutionary War, also called the American War for Independence. This thick, hearty soup made with tripe, vegetables, and heavily seasoned with pepper likely arrived in the U.S. via enslaved people from the Caribbean Islands. Over time, it gained popularity thanks to African-American Philadelphians, who often sold it on the streets.

The traditional recipe is said to have included cassava as a thickener, adding to its rich texture. According to popular accounts, Pepper Pot soup became central to the Revolutionary War efforts due to Christopher Ludwig, a German immigrant and baker general of the Continental Army. A staunch supporter of the revolution and a close friend of George Washington, Ludwig played a pivotal role during the harsh winter of 1777 at Valley Forge. With farmers selling their goods to the British rather than the Continental Army, Ludwig was tasked with feeding the troops despite severe shortages.

Faced with the prospect of starvation, Ludwig prepared Pepper Pot soup using whatever ingredients were available. This nourishing meal helped sustain the troops through the winter and earned the nickname “The Soup That Won The War.” Ludwig’s contributions were so appreciated that George Washington himself wrote a certificate of conduct to honor his service. Today, Pepper Pot Day commemorates this historic dish and the resilience it represents.