HOW MUCH IS THE SOUP
GOING TO COST?
Video - 02:17
2011

The German government has decided
to close down all its nuclear plants by the year 2022. Provided that the government acts consistently and does not buy nuclear power from neighbouring countries, the question arises as to how it can make up for lost energy or cut back on energy consumption.

“How Much Is the Soup Going to Cost?”
is a scientific experiment comparing the amount of energy necessary to prepare beef stews based on recipes originating from four different countries in the world. Quantities, conditions and portions were kept strictly consistent across cooking processes.

Is traditional Hungarian beef goulash more economical than Vietnamese Pho Bo?
Is Mexican Caldo de Res more in keeping with modern requirements than French Pot-au-feu?

My work was conceived as a provocation, linking the sensitive topic of the culture of national cuisine to the contemporary issue of energy economics.

I knowingly ignored some important aspects, such as transportation costs, climate, as well as local and social factors, in order to stimulate discussion around these questions.