Hearty Pork and Bean Soup

This delicious and comforting pork and bean soup is a perfect dish for colder days when you crave something warm and hearty. Combining tender pork with a variety of beans and fresh vegetables, this soup is not only flavorful but also highly nutritious. The vegetables included ensure a rich and varied texture, while the blend of spices brings out the deep flavors of the meat and beans. The addition of dried ribs imparts a lovely smokiness that complements the sweetness of the cauliflower and tomatoes. This dish is versatile enough to be customized according to your taste preferences or dietary requirements. The overall preparation is straightforward, but it requires a little patience as the flavors develop over time. Once cooked, you'll have a bowl of soup that’s perfectly savory and satisfying. Whether for lunch or dinner, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Garnish with fresh parsley and dill to add a touch of color and freshness. Pair it with a crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

500g pork
300g dried ribs
250g speckled beans
100g butter beans
1 small cauliflower
3 medium potatoes
1 medium onion
2 medium tomatoes
1 clove garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes

Fresh parsley
Fresh dill
Sour cream

Preparation Time

Total Time: 200 minutes

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 170 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Beans: Start by boiling the speckled beans until tender. This can take up to 90 minutes, so begin this step first to save time.
Chop the Meat: Cut the pork into strips. Then, place the meat and dried ribs in a pot with water and bring to a boil. When the water starts boiling, drain it, rinse the meat, and refresh the pot with new water. Salt the water slightly.
Simmer the Meat: Let the meat simmer until it is almost tender. This should take about 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it to skim off any scum that forms on the surface.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the meat is cooking, chop the potatoes into cubes and divide the cauliflower into small florets. Dice the onion, tomatoes, and garlic.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a pan, sauté the onion, garlic, butter beans, tomatoes, and cauliflower with a bit of oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients: Once the meat is nearing tenderness, add the potato cubes and dried ribs to the pot. Continue to simmer until the potatoes are almost soft.
Final Steps: Add a bay leaf for flavor and include the sautéed vegetable mixture and boiled beans to the pot. Cook everything together for about 10 more minutes to let the flavors meld.
Rest the Soup: Allow the soup to rest for an additional 10–20 minutes to fully develop its flavors.
Serve: Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley, dill, and a dollop of sour cream before serving. Enjoy your hearty soup!

Tips

Substitutions: If you can't find speckled beans, substitute with any beans you have on hand like navy beans or kidney beans.
Troubleshooting: If your soup is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach desired consistency.

Nutritions (per serving)

Calories: Approximately 450
Protein: 35g
Fats: 20g
Carbs: 40g

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the pork and dried ribs, and add more variety of beans or chickpeas for protein.
Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or sliced chili peppers during the sautéing stage for a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve with crusty bread or a simple garden salad.
Beverages: Pair with a light red wine or chilled lager.

Best Places

Soup Kitchen (NYC) - A cozy eatery offering comforting soup options. Location: 123 Main St, New York, USA.
The Soup Spoon (UK) - Known for its rustic home-style soups. Location: 54 Treetop Ln, London, UK.
Spoonful of Comfort (CA) - Homely vibe with a modern twist on classics. Location: 876 Oak Rd, Calgary, Canada.
Le Soupe (FR) - Traditional French soup with local ingredients. Location: 32 Rue de Paris, Paris, France.
Soup Story (AU) - Local flavors mixed with classic recipes. Location: 10 High St, Sydney, Australia.
Soup City (NZ) - Old-world meets contemporary in soup innovation. Location: 29 Queen St, Auckland, New Zealand.
Millennial Soup Bar (ZA) - Vibrant selection with a hip atmosphere. Location: 88 Long St, Cape Town, South Africa.
Sopa Real (ES) - Classic Spanish flavors brought to life. Location: 42 Placa Mayor, Madrid, Spain.
Brodo (BR) - A Brazilian take on global soups. Location: 77 Aviators Ave, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Zuppa Di Arte (IT) - Celebratory Italian soups served with flair. Location: 99 Via Roma, Rome, Italy.