Pork And Bean Soup

Ingredients

1 lb ground pork

2 anaheim chilis (or poblano peppers–groceries often seem to get these confused), seeded with ribs removed, diced

1 sweet onion, diced

3 cups chicken stock

1 can white beans, rinsed and drained

1 tbsp garlic

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp smoked salt (or sea salt if you don’t have the smoked)

½ tsp cayenne pepper

olive oil

Instructions

Drizzle some olive oil in a dutch oven and heat over medium.

Add the onions and chilis and saute until they start to brown a bit and the onions are going translucent. If you want to do this in the crock pot, now’s the time to transfer everything.

Add the chicken stock, pork, garlic, cumin, salt, and cayenne papper.

Simmer for approximately half an hour (or 4 hours on low in the crock pot)

Add the beans and simmer for another 10-15 minutes (or a half hour in the crock pot).

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of peppers in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute anaheim chilis with poblano peppers or any other type of peppers you prefer.

Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and desired level of spiciness.

Is it necessary to use pulled pork, or can I use another type of pork?

Pulled pork adds a rich flavor and texture to the soup, but you can use other types of pork as well. Diced pork shoulder or pork loin can be suitable alternatives.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pork is tender.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this soup by omitting the pulled pork and using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

You can also add more beans or vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture.

Is smoked salt necessary for the recipe, or can I use regular salt?

While smoked salt adds a distinctive smoky flavor to the soup, you can substitute it with regular sea salt if you don’t have smoked salt available.

Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preferences.

Can I freeze leftovers of this soup?

Yes, you can freeze leftover pork and bean soup for future consumption.

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Properly stored, the soup can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to eat.

Can I use fresh pork instead of pulled pork?

Yes, you can use fresh pork in this recipe.

Simply cook the pork until tender and shred it using forks or a knife before adding it to the soup.

What can I substitute for anaheim chilis or poblano peppers if I can’t find them?

If you can’t find anaheim chilis or poblano peppers, you can use bell peppers or jalapenos for a different flavor profile.

Adjust the quantity based on your preferred level of spiciness.

Is it necessary to use chicken stock, or can I use vegetable stock instead?

While chicken stock adds richness to the soup, you can substitute it with vegetable stock to make a vegetarian version of the soup.

The choice of stock depends on your dietary preferences.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, you can use dried white beans instead of canned beans. Soak the dried beans overnight, then drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.

Increase the cooking time accordingly to ensure the beans are tender.

Is it okay to skip the cayenne pepper if I don’t like spicy food?

Yes, you can omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.

Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

What other vegetables can I add to this soup?

You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutritional content of the soup.

Simply chop them and add them along with the onions and chilis.

How can I make this soup thicker?

To thicken the soup, you can blend a portion of the beans before adding them to the soup or mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup during the cooking process.

Can I use ground cumin instead of cumin seeds?

Yes, you can use ground cumin instead of cumin seeds.

Use half the amount of ground cumin as specified for cumin seeds in the recipe.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this soup by omitting the pulled pork and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

You can also add more vegetables or substitute tofu for protein.