Diced Pork Soup Recipe

Diced pork soup is the ultimate comfort food-hearty, flavorful, and nourishing. It’s one of those dishes that has an almost magical ability to warm you up from the inside out, whether you’re dealing with cold weather or just in the mood for something satisfying. What’s great about this soup is its versatility. You can make it as light or as hearty as you want by adjusting the ingredients, adding more veggies, or even spicing it up a little.

The beauty of diced pork soup lies in how simple it is to make, yet how rich and complex the flavor can become. This is not your average, run-of-the-mill soup. The combination of tender pork, savory broth, and a medley of vegetables creates a soul-satisfying bowl of goodness that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Plus, it’s the perfect meal for batch cooking or meal prepping, as it stores well and tastes even better the next day!

So, if you’re ready to indulge in a bowl of comforting, homemade diced pork soup, let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe, full of flavor and depth.

Diced Pork Soup Recipe

A warm bowl of diced pork soup is perfect for any day, whether you’re looking for a cozy meal or something that’s easy to prepare after a busy day. This recipe is straightforward, yet packed with savory layers of flavor. With a mix of tender pork, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s the type of meal you’ll want to make over and over again.

Ingredients Needed

To make this delicious diced pork soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Pork Shoulder or Pork Belly (about 1 lb): This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender and juicy. You can also use pork loin for a leaner option.

• Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, chopped – adds sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
  • 3 carrots, sliced – for natural sweetness and color.
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped – for a subtle, earthy crunch.
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced – garlic is a must for that aromatic base.
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced – adds heartiness and texture.
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) – brings a pop of sweetness.

• Herbs & Spices

  • 1 bay leaf – adds a subtle earthy flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon thyme – lends a woody, fragrant flavor that complements pork.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – gives the soup a smoky richness.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – essential for seasoning.

• Broth

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth – the base for your soup’s depth of flavor.
  • 2 cups water – helps balance the consistency.
• Olive oil – for sautéing.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley or green onions for a fresh finish.

Cooking Instructions

Making diced pork soup is a relatively easy process. The key is to give the pork enough time to become tender and infuse the broth with its flavors. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prep The Ingredients

   • Dice the pork into small, bite-sized cubes.
   • Chop the vegetables (onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes) and mince the garlic.

2. Sear The Pork

   • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the diced pork and cook until it’s browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This will help develop deep flavors and create a good foundation for the soup.

3. Sauté The Vegetables

   • Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

4. Add Broth And Spices

   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and water, stirring to combine.
   • Add the smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

5. Simmer The Soup

   • Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Add the diced potatoes and corn kernels, and return the browned pork to the pot.
   • Let the soup simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pork is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Stir occasionally and check seasoning to adjust as needed.

6. Finish And Serve

   • Remove the bay leaf and discard. Taste the soup one last time and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions, and serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, working together to create a balanced and deeply flavorful dish. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

• Pork Shoulder or Pork Belly: This cut is perfect for stews and soups because it has a good balance of fat and meat. As it simmers, the fat breaks down, creating a rich, tender texture.
• Root Vegetables (Carrots, Potatoes, Celery): These vegetables are not just there for flavor, but also for texture. The carrots add a natural sweetness that complements the savory pork, while the potatoes give the soup a heartier, filling quality.
• Corn: A bit of sweetness from the corn provides contrast to the rich pork and broth, making each spoonful more exciting.
• Smoked Paprika: This spice gives the soup a lovely depth, adding a subtle smokiness that enhances the pork without overwhelming it.
• Herbs and Spices: The thyme and bay leaf offer earthy, aromatic notes that marry well with the meat, while garlic gives the soup its savory backbone.

Expert Tips

To take this dish to the next level, here are some expert tips:

• Browning the Pork: Don’t skip the browning step. It’s crucial for building layers of flavor. The Maillard reaction (the process that causes browning) develops a richer taste in the pork, and those caramelized bits at the bottom of the pot are full of flavor.
• Simmering Time: The longer you simmer the soup, the more flavorful it becomes. If you have time, let it simmer for a couple of hours on low heat. The pork will become melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the flavors will intensify.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add any other vegetables you like-such as parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans. The soup is very versatile!
• Broth Depth: If you want a deeper broth, you can add a splash of white wine or a bit of soy sauce during cooking.
• Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, just add a bit more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

While the classic diced pork soup recipe is already delicious, there are plenty of ways to switch it up based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry:

• Spicy Diced Pork Soup: Add some red pepper flakes or a fresh chili to the soup for a kick of heat. You can even add a few dashes of hot sauce to finish it off.
• Asian-inspired Pork Soup: Swap the smoked paprika with a bit of ginger and garlic. Add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce for umami, and throw in some bok choy or spinach.
• Herb-heavy Variation: If you love herbs, you can increase the thyme or even add rosemary or sage to bring in a new, aromatic profile.
• Make it a stew: If you prefer a thicker texture, mash some of the potatoes or add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken the broth.

Final Words

Diced pork soup is a meal that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing. It’s comforting in the best way possible, with tender pork, a bounty of vegetables, and a broth that’s rich with flavor. Whether you’re looking to feed your family on a chilly evening or meal prep for the week ahead, this dish has got you covered.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s simple, yet adaptable to whatever you’re in the mood for. You can adjust the seasoning, add more veggies, or spice it up for a unique twist. Plus, with expert tips and variations to consider, this soup is bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.