Dive into the heartwarming world of Polish cuisine with our delightful Polish Style Pork Cabbage Soup! This comforting dish, brimming with tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and rich flavors, is the perfect remedy for chilly evenings or when you crave a taste of home. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you'll create a soul-satisfying soup that serves eight, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prep. Ready to impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: Polish
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cube the pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces, chop the cabbage into manageable pieces, dice the carrots, and finely chop the onion. Set all the prepared vegetables and meat aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed pork shoulder. Sear the meat on all sides until it is browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Once the pork is browned, add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté the onion for about 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Next, add the diced carrots to the pot and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently. This will help to soften the carrots and enhance their sweetness.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing the paste to caramelize slightly and deepen in flavor.
- Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits that have stuck to the bottom. This will add more flavor to your soup.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pot along with the caraway seeds. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients well.
- Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the pork to become tender.
- After 1 hour, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer uncovered for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- Once the soup is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and cube the pork shoulder in advance. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the pork adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer uncovered for an additional 15-30 minutes. This will help evaporate some of the liquid and concentrate the flavors.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Garnish for Flair: Consider garnishing your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of richness and color.
- Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 65mg
