| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 304 | 12g | 4g | 19g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 3g | 27g | 1.42g |
With the turning of the seasons, nothing brings more warmth and comfort to my kitchen than our recipe of the day: Pork Soup with Mushrooms and Fish Mint. Born and raised in the valleys of California, my recipes draw on the finest of the golden state’s fresh and locally sourced ingredients. This one, in particular, is a heartwarming symphony of tantalizing flavors and nutritious contents that are all about wellness and taste packed within a bowl of comfort.
A Power-Packed Comfort Soup
Now, why do I love this recipe so much? The answer echoes in its versatility and comforting demeanor. You get the heartiness of a meat-based soup, with the delicate flavors lent by mushrooms, fish mint, and those fresh aromatic vegetables. While a great dish in its own right, the Pork Soup with Mushrooms and Fish Mint also reminds you of a Taiwanese classic – Taiwanese Pork Stew. Our version however, boasts a unique tweak with the fish mint, making it a delightful mix of taste and health benefits.
Nutrition and Good Health
The health benefits of this comforting soup are admirable. With a lean protein source like pork loin, the broth becomes rich, savory, and energizing, perfect for your winter dinner table. Mushrooms are low in calories yet rich in nutrients, including selenium, a powerful antioxidant that fights inflammation. Then comes the fish mint, known for its folk medicinal attributes, adds a twist of peppery flavor to balance out that robust pork broth. The other elements, like carrots, onions, and garlic bring in layers of flavor along with beneficial nutrients. Each ingredient brings a little something to the table, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Fusing Flavors for that Extra Special Touch
Just like how I love to mix the health-conscious aspects of California cuisine with the hearty, rustic roots of classic American comfort fare, this soup mirrors that very philosophy. The pork soup is akin to a robust midwestern stew but with an herbal nuance from the fish mint and a mushroom medley, it suddenly has a refreshing, earthy tone that evokes the open-air markets of the west coast.
In conclusion, whether you pair it with a simple salad or a crusty loaf of bread, this Pork Soup with Mushrooms and Fish Mint is a satisfying main dish that holds a world of flavors within. Nourishing, flavorful, and authentic, it’s a remarkable recipe that’s swiftly become a beloved mainstay for my family. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of pork loin, cut into slices
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup of enoki mushrooms, separated
- 1 cup of oyster mushrooms, sliced
- 2 pieces of Fish Mint Leaves, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Method
Step One
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Cook these until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step Two
Next, add the sliced pork loin to the pot. Cook it until the pork is browned on all sides. This could typically take around 10 minutes.
Step Three
Now, add in the chicken broth to the pot. Raise the heat to high and let the mixture come to a boil. After it has boiled, reduce the heat back to medium and let the pork and broth simmer.
Step Four
While waiting for the broth to heat, take this time to get your mushrooms ready. Slice your shiitake and oyster mushrooms if you haven’t done so already, and separate your enoki mushrooms.
Step Five
After your broth has simmered for about 10 minutes, add the mushrooms, sliced carrots, and finely chopped fish mint leaves to the pot. Also add in your fish sauce and a pinch of salt to taste.
Step Six
Let your soup continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, or until your vegetables are tender and the flavors melded together. Right before serving, stir in the ground black pepper.
Step Seven
Be sure to taste your soup, adjusting the seasonings if necessary. Once you are happy with the taste, serve it hot. Enjoy your homemade Pork Soup with Mushrooms and Fish Mint!
