The slightest drizzle of rain is all it takes for South Africans to turn on the stove and simmer some soup. Winter might have you craving all your favourite comfort foods, but nothing quite satisfies like soup. It’s a labour of love, steeped with flavour and adding pork makes it that more delicious. Put a spin on your weekly rotation with these winter soup recipes with a pork twist.
Wholesome Winter Soups
Flavourful and loaded with protein, pork is delicious and incredibly versatile, making it ideal for adding to slow-cooked pots like soup this winter. Whether feeding the whole family or meal prepping for one, soup is ideal for filling up on those cold days and rainy nights. From smoky shanks with split pea soup to French-inspired onion and pork soup to Italian-style meatballs in a creamy tomato soup, these winter soup recipes will sate your soul!
Caramelised Onion & Pork Soup
Inspired by French onion soup, this bowlful of goodness is enriched with pork shoulder, sweet caramelised onions, melted cheese and broth that’s steeped with flavour.
To take this soup to delectable heights, pork shoulder is cooked in beef stock and red wine until fork-tender.
Onions are slow-cooked and caramelised, developing rich and layered flavours that form the foundation. To take this soup to delectable heights, pork shoulder is cooked in beef stock and red wine until fork-tender and falling off the bone, while fresh herbs like rosemary impart an incredible fragrance. Spoonfuls are ladled into bowls topped with baguette, Gruyère and mozzarella. Once grilled in the oven and bubbling hot, sprinkle with fresh thyme. Serve and savour every spoonful of this luscious French-style classic.
Recipe for Caramelised Onion & Pork Soup
Italian-style Meatball Soup
Winter is all about feel-good comfort food. This Italian-inspired bowl will sate your cravings and make your family beg for seconds – possibly thirds!
Pork sausage meat is combined with pork mince, creating perfectly seasoned and succulent meatballs.
Rigate pasta, a creamy tomato broth and juicy pork meatballs come together in this ultra-comforting bowl that’s so good, even Nonna would agree. Pork sausage meat is combined with pork mince, creating perfectly seasoned and succulent meatballs, which are browned and cooked in a garlicky tomato-based soup. Top with Panko-Parmesan crisps for elevated texture – it’s absolutely delish and a dreamy potluck dinner dish!
Recipe for Italian-style Meatball Soup
Pork, Bean & Barley Soup
Hearty and wholesome, stewing pork forms the base flavour for this filling bean and barley soup, which is packed with protein and tasty texture.
This plentiful pot is the pick-me-up you need.
The best dishes are seasoned with time – this moreish mash-up is exactly that! Beans are soaked overnight and turned into a delicious slow-cooked soup. Stewing pork is browned and simmered in stock along with aromatics like bay leaf, thyme, onion and garlic until the meat falls off the bones. Barley and speckled beans provide substance and flavour, making it ideal for those moments when all you need is a bit of nourishment and a belly-warming bowl. If you’re craving nostalgic flavours, this plentiful pot is the pick-me-up you need.
Recipe for Pork, Bean & Barley Soup
Split Pea Soup with Smoked Pork Shank
This smoky take on classic split pea soup will become an instant hit with everyone. It’s abundant, umami-rich and has everything you want from a winter soup.
Top with more pork and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Eisbein is slow-cooked until tender and sliced, infusing the soup with a smoky depth, which completely transforms it. Aromatics like onion, garlic, carrots and celery and chicken stock add flavour, while green split peas and barley provide protein and nutrients, making the most of these pantry staples. Ladle generously, top with more pork and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. It’s delicious, wholesome and ideal for serving a full-house family.
Recipe for Split Pea Soup with Smoked Pork Shank
For more tasty inspiration, try these SA Pork recipes.
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