Piggy soup is a comforting and hearty dish made by slow-cooking tender pork, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s a simple, satisfying meal perfect for any season, especially when cooked in a crock pot. The slow cooking process ensures that the pork becomes incredibly tender while the vegetables absorb the rich flavors of the broth. This recipe is easy to make, versatile, and can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences or flavor profiles. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or for a special gathering, piggy soup will be a hit with everyone at the table.
Servings 6servings
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Ingredients
2poundsof porkpork shoulder, pork belly, or pork loin
4carrotspeeled and chopped
3celery stalkschopped
2large potatoespeeled and diced
1large onionchopped
3clovesgarlicminced
6cupsof chicken or vegetable broth
1teaspoondried thyme
1teaspoondried rosemary
1bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 cup of corn kernels1 cup of green beans, or 1 cup of peas (for added texture and flavor)
Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream for a creamier soup
Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork into bite-sized chunks and season with salt and pepper.
Chop the Vegetables: Dice the carrots, celery, potatoes, and onion. Mince the garlic.
Layer the Crock Pot: Place the pork chunks at the bottom of the crock pot. Add the chopped vegetables and garlic on top of the pork.
Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour the broth over the ingredients, making sure everything is submerged. Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
Cook the Soup: Cover the crock pot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally, if possible. When the pork is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, the soup is ready.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition
Calories350kcal
Notes
Meat Options: While pork shoulder is recommended for its tenderness, you can substitute it with chicken thighs, turkey, or beef stew meat depending on your preference.
Broth Variations: Homemade broth will add more flavor, but store-bought chicken or vegetable broth will work just as well. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or even spinach for extra nutrients.