Pork Vegetable Soup

Chunks of seared pork tenderloin turn meltingly tender after a long, slow simmer in this richly flavored soup. The broth is thickened with quick-cooking tapioca until it’s stew-like, clinging to every bite of carrot and chunk of potato. A splash of beer and a spoonful of Worcestershire sauce bring a savory depth that builds as it cooks, while bay leaves and thyme infuse the whole pot with a woodsy fragrance. A pinch of nutmeg rounds things out with a quiet warmth that lingers in the background.

This is the kind of soup that invites improvisation. Add chopped celery or parsnips for extra sweetness, swap cubed butternut squash for the potatoes, or stir in frozen peas or green beans during the last hour of cooking. A handful of shredded cabbage or kale can wilt into the broth without overpowering it. Even the protein is flexible: Pork shoulder, chicken thighs or a handful of cooked beans can each hold its own here. Whatever you have in your crisper drawer, chances are it has a place in this pot.

Pork Vegetable Soup Ingredients

• Pork tenderloin
• Garlic powder
• Canola oil
• Diced tomatoes
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Light or nonalcoholic beer
• Quick-cooking tapioca
• Bay leaves
• Worcestershire sauce
• Honey
• Dried thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Ground nutmeg

Directions

Step 1: Season and brown the pork

Sprinkle the pork with garlic powder. In a large skillet, brown the meat in oil, then drain it.

Step 2: Combine the ingredients and cook

Transfer the pork to a 4-quart slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, beer, tapioca, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, honey, thyme, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cover the pot and cook the soup on low for seven to eight hours, or until the meat is tender. Discard the bay leaves before serving.

How to Store Pork Vegetable Soup

Let the pork vegetable soup cool completely, then transfer it to a food storage container and refrigerate it for up to four days. It also freezes well: Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s hot.

Pork Vegetable Soup Tips

Can you use a different cut of pork in pork vegetable soup?

Yes, you can use a different type of pork in pork vegetable soup. Swap in pork shoulder or pork loin for the pork tenderloin—just be sure to trim any excess fat and cut the meat into evenly sized pieces so it cooks at the same rate.

Can you make this pork vegetable soup without beer?

You can make this soup without beer by substituting low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth for the light or nonalcoholic beer. This swap keeps the flavor rich and hearty while making the recipe alcohol-free.

What kind of potatoes work best in pork vegetable soup?

For this pork vegetable soup, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape best during slow cooking. If you use russet potatoes, they may break down more and thicken the soup.