Red pepper gouda soup has become a UMW tradition

By MACKENZIE HARD

Staff Writer

One of the most popular features of UMW’s Underground Café is the delicious, creamy taste of the red pepper gouda soup that is only available on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., or until they run out. Its popularity has caused some students to include getting the soup as part of their daily Wednesday routine. 

“Getting red pepper gouda with my friends every Wednesday is one of my favorite parts of the week. We have had a longstanding date for the past few semesters and it’s such a great time to catch up with your friends,” said junior communication major, Faith Hogue. “It’s become one of my favorite UMW traditions and one of the things I will miss most when I graduate. #RedPepGoudWednesdays!”

For others, going to the Underground started as a tradition before they even started at UMW. Senior studio art major, Emily Siegfried said, “Before I started at UMW, I met with Dean Rucker and he told me I needed to try red pepper gouda and I wasn’t going to because I don’t like red pepper or gouda, but I did and it was super tasty. It has a really unique taste that I’ve never had before and when the Underground served it with grilled cheese, it was the best thing ever.”

Since the Underground changed its menu from deli-style food to Mediterranean at the end of the fall semester 2018, they no longer sell grilled cheese sandwiches, which were a popular pairing for the soup.

Senior geology major, Grace Rihl said that the soup was introduced to her when she was a freshman by one of her senior friends. “I have been passing along the tradition to other friends since then.”

In a way, this soup has become a tradition at UMW and will hopefully never leave the menu of the Underground despite all the recent menu changes. 

“It is one of my favorite memories and traditions at Mary Washington. What a better way to catch up with friends than sharing a meal together, especially one so good. Though the cuisine at the Underground has changed over the years, red pepper gouda remains and is always reliable. #LongLiveRedPepGoud,” commented Rihl. 

For those that miss the red pepper gouda on Wednesday or crave it after graduation, One Sweet Mess has a recipe for a very tasty and comparable version. To make this recipe vegan or vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and use a dairy-free heavy cream and gouda.