Pork Chop Soup

Looking for a hearty soup recipe using pork chops? This is a simple recipe that gets rave reviews. Everyone loves pork chops and this fun twist transforms the classic recipe into a cozy bowl of soup, perfect to enjoy on a cold day.

It takes less than an hour to make this soup, with 20 minutes of prep and 25 minutes to cook. Pork is a lean meat that’s low in fat and high in protein. With the added root vegetables, this soup doesn’t lack anything and is poised to quickly be a family favorite at your house. Serve with a crusty bread or salad greens, and you’ve got a meal.

Pork Chop Soup Ingredients

• Butter: Use unsalted butter as you’ll be adding spices to the recipe.
• Boneless pork loin chops: This is a very lean meat, with very little fat, and comes from the pig’s loin.
• Kielbasa or Polish sausage: These two sausage names are often used interchangeably and refer to smoked sausage made with mostly pork.
• Onion: Yellow onions are preferred over white onions as they caramelize well and also hold up among other ingredients, both in texture and in flavor.
• Celery: You need two celery ribs, which you’ll chop and add to the soup. Celery is a highly nutritious vegetable that also helps thicken the broth.
• Carrot: For this recipe, peel and chop one carrot. Orange carrots are preferred over yellow and purple to add a pop of bright color to the soup.
• Garlic: Two fresh garlic cloves are minced and then added to the recipe. Garlic has many health benefits, including helping fight colds and reduce inflammation.
• Paprika: Made from dried and ground red peppers, paprika is a signature spice. You can also use smoked paprika. The flavor is slightly sweet, smoky and spicy, but not overpowering.
• Chicken broth: If you can find reduced-sodium chicken broth, use it. This is a healthier version without compromising flavor. It’s also okay to use regular chicken broth.
• Apple: This recipe calls for a tart apple. Varieties include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Cortland and Fuji.
• Red potatoes: Richer in vitamins, red potatoes are healthier than white potatoes. They’re also smaller in size and taste sweeter.
• Chinese five spice powder: Buy this spice in stores or make your own using our recipe for Chinese five spice.
• Honey: Honey helps sweeten the soup, but don’t worry, it won’t taste sweet. Instead, honey balances the many savory ingredients.

Directions

Step 1: Chop the meat and the vegetables

Before moving on to the rest of the recipe, chop the pork and the sausage. Then, chop the onion, celery and carrot. Peel the apples and potatoes, and chop them into 1-inch pieces. Finally, mince the garlic.

Editor’s Tip: To save time, it’s okay to use garlic from a jar of minced garlic. Just be sure to drain the water from the garlic before you add it to the recipe.

Step 2: Cook the pork, vegetables and spices

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat; add the pork, sausage, onion, celery and carrot. Cook and stir until the pork is no longer pink and the vegetables are crisp-tender, four to five minutes. Add the garlic and the paprika; cook one minute longer.

Step 3: Boil the broth, apple, potatoes and five-spice powder

Stir in the broth, apple, potatoes and five spice powder. Bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat; cover and simmer until the pork is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

Step 4: Add the honey

Stir the honey into the soup, then serve.

SARAH TRAMONTE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Pork Chop Soup Variations

• Make it vegetarian: If you’re cooking for a meat-free dieter, swap in mushrooms for the pork.
• Add cabbage: If you want some greens in this soup, cabbage is perfect. Chop the cabbage and cook it with the vegetables in butter.

How to Store Pork Chop Soup

You won’t taste a difference if you make this soup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, because it’s so easy to reheat. The soup also freezes well.

Can you freeze pork chop soup?

Yes, absolutely! The best way to freeze the soup is in batches, either in separate covered airtight containers or resealable freezer bags. Then, if you need a quick solo supper, you won’t have to thaw a bigger batch.

How long does pork chop soup last?

If you store the soup in the fridge in a covered container, it should keep for three to four days.

Can you make pork chop soup ahead of time?

Of course! Just be sure to store the completed recipe in the fridge and then eat within two to three days (in case you have leftovers).

How do you reheat pork chop soup?

The easiest way to reheat this soup is to do so in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Heat until warmed all the way through.

Pork Chop Soup Tips

SARAH TRAMONTE FOR TASTE OF HOME

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 into tender, shreddable bites. Pork tenderloin works well as a substitute in 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 it until warmed through. Learn more about the different cuts of pork and the best ways to use them in our favorite pork recipes.

What do you serve with pork chop 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. Substitute pork chops in soup recipes that call for pork tenderloin, such as hearty pork bean soup or southwestern pork and squash soup.