Pork Soup
Description
This hearty soup transforms tough cuts of pork into tender, fall-apart bites through a long, gentle simmer. The unique combination of bacon drippings and a hint of sweetness creates a savory, deeply comforting broth that is rich and complex. Aromatic spices like whole cloves, thyme, bay leaf, and parsley infuse the liquid with warmth, while celery adds a fresh, subtle crunch. Perfect for chilly evenings, this rustic dish serves as a satisfying main course that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or simple mashed potatoes.Ingredients
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine the cubed pork with grape juice, bay leaf, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Mix well to coat the meat, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for several hours, turning the meat occasionally to ensure even marination.
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Remove the meat from the refrigerator and drain it thoroughly in a colander, reserving the remaining grape juice marinade.
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Heat bacon drippings in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Brown the drained meat thoroughly in the hot drippings, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
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Once browned, return all meat to the pot and pour in the reserved grape juice marinade and the bouillon.
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Place the diced celery, whole cloves, parsley, and dried thyme into a cheesecloth bag and tie it securely with kitchen string.
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Submerge the herb bag into the pot with the meat and liquid.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about three hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
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Check the liquid level periodically; add boiling water if the soup becomes too thick or reduces too much.
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Remove the pot from heat and discard the cheesecloth herb bag.
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Carefully remove the tender meat from the soup and set it aside on a plate.
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In a small bowl, mix 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water for every cup of broth remaining in the pot to create a smooth slurry.
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Bring the broth back to a gentle boil over medium heat.
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Slowly stir the cornstarch slurry into the boiling broth.
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Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
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Return the meat to the pot to warm through.
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Serve the thickened soup immediately with the tender meat.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 708.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 32.5g50%
- Saturated Fat 10.5g53%
- Cholesterol 144.2mg49%
- Sodium 6248.0mg261%
- Total Carbohydrate 63.6g22%
- Dietary Fiber 8.3g34%
- Sugars 9.5g
- Protein 46.0g92%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.