Imagine a steaming bowl of comfort that will make your taste buds dance and warm you from the inside out! This mouthwatering Pork and Vegetable Soup is not just another recipe – it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavor-packed meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a nutritious pick-me-up, this soup is about to become your new go-to comfort food that combines the rich, savory taste of ground pork with a medley of fresh vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb ground pork, 1 diced carrot, 1 diced celery stalk, 1 chopped onion, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 tsp thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the diced carrot and celery to the pot. Continue to sauté the vegetables for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the ground pork. Cook the pork for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Once the pork is browned, stir everything together in the pot. Add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, and thyme. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- After 30 minutes, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Once the soup is finished, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your hearty pork and vegetable soup!
Tips
- Browning is Key: Take your time when browning the ground pork. This step develops deep, rich flavors that will elevate the entire soup.
- Vegetable Prep Matters: Dice your carrots, celery, and onions into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Don't Rush the Simmer: The 30-minute simmer is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together. Resist the temptation to cut this time short.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add additional vegetables like potatoes or green beans for extra nutrition and texture.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator.
- Garnish Options: Fresh herbs like parsley or a dollop of sour cream can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- Thickness Control: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or let it simmer uncovered to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
