Elevate your taste buds: how to cook pork jowl bean soup like a pro

Pork jowl bean soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter’s day. The pork jowl adds a rich and smoky flavor to the soup, while the beans provide a hearty and filling base. This soup is also a great way to use up leftover pork jowl from a previous meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried pinto beans, picked over and rinsed
• 8 cups water
• 1 pound pork jowl, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Soak the beans: In a large bowl, combine the beans and water. Let soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
2. Drain the beans: Drain the beans and rinse them well.
3. Brown the pork jowl: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the pork jowl on all sides. Remove the pork jowl from the pot and set aside.
4. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Add the beans and seasonings: Add the beans, pork jowl, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Bring to a boil: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
7. Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Tips

• For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before serving.
• Add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, green beans, or corn.
• Serve the soup with cornbread, biscuits, or rice.

Variations

• Spicy pork jowl bean soup: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the soup.
• Smoky pork jowl bean soup: Add 1-2 tablespoons of smoked paprika to the soup.
• Creamy pork jowl bean soup: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.

What to Serve with Pork Jowl Bean Soup

Pork jowl bean soup is a hearty and filling meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes, such as:

• Cornbread
• Biscuits
• Rice
• Salad
• Breadsticks

The Benefits of Pork Jowl Bean Soup

Pork jowl bean soup is not only delicious, but it is also a nutritious meal. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. Some of the benefits of eating pork jowl bean soup include:

• Improved heart health: The fiber in pork jowl bean soup can help to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Reduced risk of stroke: The antioxidants in pork jowl bean soup can help to protect against stroke.
• Improved digestion: The fiber in pork jowl bean soup can help to improve digestion and prevent constipation.
• Boosted immunity: The vitamins and minerals in pork jowl bean soup can help to boost the immune system and protect against infection.

Basics You Wanted To Know

• How long can I store pork jowl bean soup in the refrigerator? Pork jowl bean soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze pork jowl bean soup? Yes, pork jowl bean soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• What is the best way to reheat pork jowl bean soup? Pork jowl bean soup can be reheated on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.