Mock turtle soup is a fascinating dish with a rich history, originating in the 18th century as a cost-effective alternative to green turtle soup. Traditionally made with calf’s head, brains, and organ meats, it has evolved over time into a more accessible recipe using ground beef and hard-boiled eggs.

This unique dish has been an essential part of British and American cuisine, especially in Louisiana Creole cooking. It even has cultural references in literature, most notably in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, where the character Mock Turtle humorously embodies the soup itself.