Are you craving a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal that will warm you from the inside out? Look no further than this delicious pork ribs soup recipe! This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening, a family gathering, or simply a comforting weeknight dinner. Forget takeout – homemade goodness is just a few simple steps away! This recipe is packed with flavor and is surprisingly quick to prepare, making it an ideal addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Ribs
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork ribs and brown them on all sides. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your soup. Remove the ribs from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and slightly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmering the Soup
Return the browned pork ribs to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the pork ribs are incredibly tender and falling off the bone. This slow simmering is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Serving the Soup
Once the ribs are cooked through, remove them from the pot and let them cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the pork ribs into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded pork to the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pork Ribs Soup:
- For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the garlic.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, turnips, or parsnips. These will add more heartiness to the soup and require adding them to the pot alongside the carrots and celery.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Don't discard the bones! After shredding the meat, you can use the bones to make a flavorful stock for another meal.
Variations:
- Spicy Pork Ribs Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Hearty Vegetable Pork Ribs Soup: Include other vegetables such as corn, green beans, or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Slow Cooker Version: This recipe is easily adaptable to a slow cooker. Brown the ribs and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Around 30-35g
- Fat: Around 15-20g
This delicious pork ribs soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and healthy meal. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking adventures. Enjoy!