Dive into a bowl of warmth and comfort with our Curried Pork and Pea Soup, a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen! This hearty soup is not only easy to prepare but also packed with tender pork, aromatic spices, and fresh peas, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. In just under an hour, you can create a dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Are you ready to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork shoulder, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into small, uniform dice approximately 1/2 inch in size to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and brown the diced pork in batches, ensuring each piece develops a golden-brown exterior. Remove browned pork and set aside.
- In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions. Sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and curry powder to the onions, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds to release the aromatic spices and bloom their flavors.
- Return the browned pork to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let the soup cook for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the pork becomes tender and easily breaks apart.
- Add the peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking to preserve their bright color and prevent overcooking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into warm bowls and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of yogurt for added richness.
Tips
- Cut Uniformly: Make sure to dice the pork shoulder into uniform pieces (about 1/2 inch) to ensure even cooking and tenderness throughout the soup.
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t rush the browning process! Allow the pork to develop a deep golden-brown crust, as this adds a rich depth of flavor to your soup.
- Sauté the Aromatics: When cooking the onions and garlic, keep an eye on them to prevent burning. This step is crucial for releasing the spices' full potential.
- Simmer Gently: Once you add the chicken broth, bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cooking it on low heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the pork to become tender.
- Add Peas Last: To keep the peas vibrant and fresh, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This way, they maintain their bright color and nutritional value.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste your soup before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive dish.
- Garnish for Flair: Consider garnishing your soup with fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of yogurt for added richness and a pop of color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
