Welcome to a hearty, comforting recipe that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful – Bean and Pork Soup! If you’re looking for a dish that warms the soul and fills the belly, you’ve found it. This soup brings together rich, tender pork and the smooth creaminess of beans, creating a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It’s perfect for cold days, long weekends, or any time you want to make a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
What makes this recipe extra special is its versatility-there’s room for creativity, but at its core, the combination of beans and pork is a classic. Whether you’re using tender pork shoulder, savory ham, or lean pork loin, the result is always a deliciously satisfying soup. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get into the details of making this delicious soup.
Bean And Pork Soup Recipe
This Bean and Pork Soup recipe has been crafted to be simple yet bursting with flavors. The pork is slow-cooked to perfection, and the beans add creaminess and texture, balancing the dish beautifully. Here’s how you can recreate this dish at home:
Ingredients Needed
For this comforting soup, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. But don’t let their simplicity fool you-each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and depth.
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Pork Shoulder (or pork loin/ham) – 1.5 lbs
- You can use pork shoulder for its tenderness and rich flavor, but pork loin or even ham works great for a lighter, leaner version.
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Dried White Beans (or canned) – 2 cups dried or 3 cans (15 oz each)
- Beans like Great Northern, Navy, or Cannellini are perfect for this soup. They absorb the flavors of the broth beautifully and add a creamy texture once cooked.
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Yellow Onion – 1 medium, chopped
- A foundational vegetable that adds sweetness and depth to the soup base.
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Carrots – 2 large, sliced
- Their slight sweetness complements the savory pork and balances the richness of the soup.
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Celery – 2 stalks, chopped
- Adds crunch and freshness, cutting through the richness of the soup.
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Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Aromatic and essential for infusing the soup with savory goodness.
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Bay Leaves – 2
- For added flavor depth that’s earthy and slightly floral.
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Thyme – 1 tsp (fresh or dried)
- A subtle herb that enhances the flavors of the pork and beans without overpowering the dish.
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Salt and Pepper – to taste
- Season generously for balance, but remember to adjust throughout cooking.
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Chicken Broth or Stock – 6 cups
- A rich base that will carry all the flavors. If you’re after more pork-forward flavor, use pork stock, but chicken broth is the go-to for most.
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Olive Oil – 2 tbsp
- For sautéing the vegetables and giving the soup a nice base to start from.
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Lemon Juice (optional) – a squeeze at the end
- Just a little lemon juice adds brightness to the dish, cutting through the richness and adding a fresh note.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the steps of creating this flavorful, soul-warming soup.
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Prepare the Beans (if using dried):
- Soak the dried beans in water overnight, or use the quick-soak method (bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour). Drain and set aside.
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Brown The Pork
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season the pork generously with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned. This helps to lock in flavor. Once browned, remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot.
- Toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and the onions are translucent.
- Add the garlic, bay leaves, and thyme, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Combine And Simmer
- Return the pork to the pot, along with the soaked beans and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the beans are soft.
- Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. Add water or broth if the soup thickens too much.
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Shred The Pork
- Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it with a fork.
- Return the shredded pork to the soup, stir, and let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
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Season And Serve
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh pop if desired.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the role each ingredient plays in the recipe is key to fully appreciating the depth of flavors this soup delivers. Let’s break it down:
- Pork Shoulder: A fatty, rich cut that infuses the soup with savory goodness. As it simmers, the fat breaks down, making the meat fall-apart tender and adding body to the broth.
- Beans: The beans are the heart of this soup, providing a creamy texture when fully cooked. They soak up all the flavors from the pork, broth, and vegetables, making each bite a delight.
- Carrots and Celery: Together, these vegetables form the “mirepoix”, the base of many soups and stews. They add sweetness and earthiness, enhancing the overall flavor without overwhelming it.
- Herbs (Thyme and Bay Leaves): These herbs add subtle layers of flavor that elevate the pork and beans without being too aggressive. Bay leaves bring an almost floral note, while thyme adds a woodsy earthiness.
Expert Tips
To make sure your Bean and Pork Soup turns out perfect, here are a few tips from the experts:
- Don’t rush the simmering process: Allowing the soup to cook slowly at a low temperature helps the flavors develop fully. The longer you simmer, the more tender the pork becomes.
- Use bone-in pork for extra flavor: If you can, go for bone-in pork shoulder. The bone adds even more depth to the broth as it cooks, making it richer and more flavorful.
- Season throughout the process: Taste and adjust the seasoning at different stages of cooking. It’s easy to miss a key step in the beginning, but tasting along the way ensures a well-balanced dish.
- Add extra vegetables for variety: You can easily bulk up this soup with other vegetables like spinach, kale, or even potatoes. Just make sure to add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t overcook.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few fun twists on the classic Bean and Pork Soup to consider:
- Smoky Bean and Pork Soup: Add some smoked paprika or a couple of chopped smoked sausages for an additional smoky flavor.
- Spicy Version: Kick things up a notch by adding diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper. A splash of hot sauce at the end can also add the right heat.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the pork with mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Beans will still provide that creamy texture!
Final Words
This Bean and Pork Soup is one of those classic dishes that feels like home. It’s simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor. The tender pork, creamy beans, and aromatic vegetables combine to create a soup that’s so satisfying, you’ll want to make it over and over again. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile-add your favorite ingredients, adjust the seasoning, and make it your own.