As a child, my grandmother’s nourishing pork bone soup was a balm for my soul during difficult times. Even now as an adult, memories of her patiently simmering pork hocks, aromatics and broth for hours never fail to elicit feelings of warmth and comfort.
As a contributor for Food and Meal focusing on heritage recipes, I’m delighted to pay homage to my grandmother’s beloved pork bone soup. This restorative dish sustained my family for generations, and I wish to honor the care and tradition inherent in its preparation. Simmering pork bones and meat for an entire afternoon infuses the broth with body, savoriness and soul. Chopping aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots and celery mindfully, as my grandmother did, imparts a subtle sweetness. Ginger and black pepper add hints of spice to round out the flavors.
Whenever the chaos of life leaves me unsettled, I channel my energy into creating this soup, as if assembling ingredients for an apothecary. As the steam rises, tensions dissipate; the methodical process grants perspective. Soon I can almost hear my grandmother’s affectionate words: “Have some soup, love, and tell me what’s troubling you.” More than mere sustenance, her pork bone soup was liquid empathy, the vital restorative we all need sometimes. I’m honored to share this recipe in her memory.
Pork Bone Soup Recipe
PORK BONE SOUP
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 sliced pork neck bones
- 1/4 cup peeled sliced fresh ginger, plus 1 tablespoon minced
- 10 cups water
- 1 large sweet onion, sliced
- 2 dried shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons tablespoons
- 2 small Korean green chiles, seeded and sliced
- 6 to 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 2 tablespoons gochugaru
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/4 small napa cabbage, sliced into large chunks
- 2 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, soak the pork bones in cold water for 1 to 2 hours to draw out some of the blood. Drain and rinse the bones.
- Put the bones and ginger slices in a large stockpot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. As soon as the water boils, remove the pot from the heat, drain, and discard the ginger slices.
- Rinse the pot, return the bones to the pot, and add the 10 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the onion, mushrooms, minced ginger, and doenjang. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 11⁄2 hours.
- While the bones are simmering, in a small bowl, mix together the chiles, garlic, fish sauce, mirin, gochujang, and gochugaru.
- Remove the mushrooms from the stockpot, which have now been reconstituted, and slice them, and return to the pot. Add the sauce mixture, potatoes, cabbage, and scallions. Simmer for 30 more minutes.
- Season with pepper just before serving hot.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Cooking Tips
The bubbling broth draws me into deep contemplation – what stories and wisdom steeped into her soup pot over the years? I ponder her grace as I tend the stove, skimming foam that rises like difficult emotions. When she ladled each bowl with care, was she also imparting courage and compassion? As cooking time transforms sundry ingredients into harmonious soup, I sense my spirit settling too.
When loved ones gather for this meal, it is her embrace we feel – the pork bone soup’s restorative magic flowing from her hands to ours. As we raise spoonfuls of broth to our lips, I hear her gentle voice urging us to be still, let go of troubles, and make room for joy. With open and grateful hearts, we will continue her legacy – nourishing body and soul, one bowl at a time.
Serving Suggestions
Pork bone soup stands out as a hearty and savory broth that pairs seamlessly with a diverse array of side dishes and condiments. A classic accompaniment to this flavorful soup is a bowl of fluffy white or brown rice, which not only complements the rich pork flavors but also serves to balance the stronger tasting broth. The addition of spicy and tangy kimchi provides a delightful contrast, cutting through the unctuousness of the soup and aiding in the digestion of its fatty elements. Incorporating umami-rich miso soup further enhances the savoriness of the pork bone broth, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Soft or silken tofu, gently simmered in the broth or added to bowls, contributes protein and absorbs the soup’s delicious flavors. To add a finishing touch, bright and fresh scallions sprinkled on top lend color, crunch, and subtle oniony sweetness, effectively balancing the heartiness of the soup. In summary, the combination of white rice, spicy kimchi, savory miso soup, soft tofu, and fresh scallions elevates the experience of enjoying pork bone soup, offering a complementary blend of flavors, textures, and nutritional elements to make each meal a delightful and well-rounded experience.
Frequently Asked Questions of Pork Bone Soup
- Can I use different types of pork for the soup? Absolutely! While pork bones provide a rich flavor to the broth, you can also use pork ribs or pork belly for added meatiness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is tender.
- Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving, adding more broth if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- How can I make the soup less spicy? If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by adding less chili oil when serving.
- Can I freeze leftover soup? Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it down before transferring to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I customize the toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your choice of toppings. Sliced scallions, bean sprouts, chopped cilantro, boiled eggs, and even crispy fried shallots are all excellent options.
Conclusion
As I reflect on my grandmother’s pork bone soup, I’m filled with gratitude for this heirloom recipe that has nourished generations of my family. This soulful broth represents the care and tradition passed down to me, which I now honor by sharing with the Food and Meal community.
Simmering pork bones for hours infuses the soup with body, richness and savory depth of flavor. Chopping aromatics like onion, carrot and celery with mindfulness imparts subtle sweetness. As I tend to my own soup pot, I feel my grandmother’s patient guidance and loving presence.
Beyond mere sustenance, my grandmother’s pork bone soup offered liquid comfort – a respite from troubles that I still turn to today. As life presents challenges, I find solace in the ritual of assembling these humble ingredients that transform into something profoundly restorative. When loved ones gather for this meal, we feel my grandmother’s embrace.
Hi! I'm Nazia of ‘Nazia Cooks’, a self-taught baker and cook residing in Chennai. Rooted in the rich South Indian culinary landscape, my palate has expanded to embrace global flavors. I revel in crafting fusion dishes, melding traditions to birth unique tastes.