Vegetable Pork Soup

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 25 min.

Makes

8 servings (2 qt.)

Updated: Nov. 11, 2023
This hefty and full-flavored pork soup from reader Dave Bock of Auburn, Washington, is perfect for cold winter days. It's a fast, fuss-free family favorite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Vegetable Pork Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 8 ounces boneless pork loin chops, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 pound smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 celery ribs, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 carton (32 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large tart apple, peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium red potatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 2 teaspoons honey

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add pork, sausage, onion, celery and carrot. Cook and stir until pork is no longer pink and vegetables are crisp-tender, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and paprika; cook 1 minute longer.
  2. Stir in broth, apple, potatoes and five-spice powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until pork is tender, 12-15 minutes. Stir in honey.
Vegetable Pork Soup Tips

What cut of pork is best for soup?

We use boneless pork loin chops for this pork soup recipe, but you can use other cuts depending on your desired texture and flavor. Pork shoulder or pork butt are flavorful cuts, but they require longer cooking times to break down the meat into tender, shreddable bites. Pork tenderloin works well as a substitute for this recipe, as the lean meat creates a similar, firm texture to pork chops. In a pinch, you can use leftover pork for this recipe, adding it at the end and simmering until it’s warmed through. Learn more about the different cuts of pork and the best ways to use them in your favorite pork recipes.

What do you serve with pork soup?

It’s a good idea to look to sides with a light character, as meat soup recipes are rich and hearty on their own. A side salad with fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette is a nice way to provide a refreshing contrast. Our favorite way to serve pork soup is with a side of crusty bread or homemade rolls to sop up the flavorful broth.

What other pork soup recipes can you make with pork chops?

Pork chops aren’t just for the grill! We love using them to make hearty soups like Tuscan pork stew or pork edamame soup. You can also substitute pork chops for soup recipes that call for pork tenderloin, such as hearty pork and bean soup or Southwestern pork and squash soup.

—Lindsay Mattison, Taste of Home Contributing Writer

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 192 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.