Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of mouthwatering aromas and hearty flavors? This Basic Soup with Pork is not just a recipe – it's a culinary journey that promises to transport you to a world of comfort and satisfaction. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and a rich broth that tells a story of slow, loving preparation. Whether you're battling a chilly day or simply craving a bowl of pure comfort, this slow-cooker marvel is about to become your new favorite go-to meal!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork shoulder, cubed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cube the pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces, slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This will ensure that your cooking process is smooth and efficient.
- In a large slow cooker, add the cubed pork shoulder. Make sure the pieces are evenly distributed at the bottom of the cooker.
- Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top of the pork. The onion and garlic will infuse the pork with flavor as it cooks.
- Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the slow cooker. These vegetables will add both texture and flavor to the soup.
- Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth, ensuring that the ingredients are submerged. The broth will serve as the base of your soup, providing a rich flavor.
- Stir in the tablespoon of soy sauce, which will enhance the umami flavor of the soup.
- Sprinkle in the teaspoon of thyme, along with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, keeping in mind that the flavors will develop as the soup cooks.
- Once all the ingredients are in the slow cooker, cover it with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking method will tenderize the pork and meld the flavors together.
- After 6 hours, check the pork and vegetables for tenderness. If the pork is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through, your soup is ready. If not, you can let it cook for an additional hour.
- Once done, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or soy sauce according to your preference.
- Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Basic Soup with Pork!
Tips
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for maximum flavor and tenderness. The fat will render during slow cooking, creating a rich, luxurious soup.
- Prep Like a Pro: Cut your ingredients to uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This helps vegetables and meat cook at the same rate.
- Layer for Flavor: Start with meat at the bottom, then add aromatics like onions and garlic to infuse deep flavors throughout the cooking process.
- Don't Rush the Process: The magic of this recipe is in the slow cooking. Resist the temptation to increase the heat – low and slow is the secret to tender meat and melded flavors.
- Season Strategically: Start with a conservative amount of salt and pepper, remembering that flavors concentrate during slow cooking. You can always adjust at the end.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add additional herbs like rosemary or bay leaves, or throw in some additional vegetables like celery or parsnips for extra depth.
- Leftover Love: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a big batch. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg
