This comforting soup combines the unique flavors of ginger, cabbage, pork, and potatoes to create a hearty meal perfect for cold weather. The ginger adds a zesty touch that complements the savory taste of the pork and the earthy flavor of the cabbage and potatoes. It's a simple recipe that packs a ton of taste.
Photos of Gingered Cabbage Soup with Pork and Potatoes Recipe
Fresh ginger is the one ingredient that might not be readily available in your pantry. When purchasing, look for ginger that has tight skin and is firm to the touch. Once peeled, the ginger should be a pale yellow color. If it's blueish green, it might be old and lacking in flavor. Also, opting for a pork tenderloin ensures that your meat will be tender and juicy.
Ingredients for Gingered Cabbage Soup with Pork and Potatoes
Butter: Adds a creamy, rich base to the soup.
Onion: Gives a sweet and slightly spicy flavor.
Fresh ginger: Brings a zesty, aromatic note to the soup.
Green cabbage: Adds a hint of sweetness and a delightful crunch.
Chicken broth: The base of the soup, providing savory flavor.
Potatoes: Adds heartiness to the soup.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pork tenderloin: Provides protein and a savory, meaty flavor.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the soup with its tangy flavor.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal touch.
One reader, Jolene Lara says:
This gingered cabbage soup with pork and potatoes recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and comforting. The ginger adds a lovely kick, and the pork and potatoes make it a hearty meal. It's become a family favorite, and I can't wait to make it again. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Gingered Cabbage Soup with Pork and Potatoes
How to mince ginger: To mince ginger, start by peeling the ginger root with a vegetable peeler or a spoon. Then, use a sharp knife to finely chop the peeled ginger into small pieces.
How to smash ginger: To smash ginger, place a piece of peeled ginger on a cutting board and use the flat side of a chef's knife or a meat mallet to gently press down on the ginger until it is lightly crushed. This helps release the flavor and aroma of the ginger.
How to check for fresh ginger: When selecting ginger, look for a piece with taut skin that is firm to the touch. After peeling, the ginger should have a pale yellow color. Avoid ginger that appears blueish green, as it may be old and lack the vibrant flavor desired for the recipe.
How To Make Gingered Cabbage Soup with Pork and Potatoes
Enjoy the light and satisfying goodness of this gingered cabbage soup cooked with potatoes in a flavorful lemon-infused chicken broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspbutter
- 1onion
- 1tbspfresh ginger,minced
- ¾lbgreen cabbage,(about ¼ head)
- 1½qtchicken broth,or homemade stock, canned, low sodium
- 1lbpotatoes,(about 3), boiling
- 2tspsalt
- 1lbpork tenderloin
- 2tsplemon juice
- ¼cupfresh parsley,chopped
Instructions
-
In a large pot, melt the butter over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften.
-
Stir in the minced ginger and the cabbage and cook for 1 minute longer.
-
Add the broth, potatoes, smashed ginger, and 1 teaspoon of the salt.
-
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
-
Stir in the pork and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Cook for about 3 minutes until the pork is just done.
-
Stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
-
Remove the pieces of smashed ginger before serving
Nutrition
- Calories: 440.77kcal
- Fat: 14.35g
- Saturated Fat: 6.22g
- Trans Fat: 0.27g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.16g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.70g
- Carbohydrates: 41.05g
- Fiber: 5.31g
- Sugar: 10.74g
- Protein: 36.42g
- Cholesterol: 99.77mg
- Sodium: 1669.66mg
- Calcium: 80.35mg
- Potassium: 1522.81mg
- Iron: 3.46mg
- Vitamin A: 72.20µg
- Vitamin C: 62.55mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing the Flavors in Gingered Cabbage Soup
When preparing your pork tenderloin for the soup, it's important to cut it into thin, bite-sized pieces. This not only ensures that the pork cooks evenly and quickly, but also makes it easier to eat in the soup. Additionally, when adding the pork to the soup, make sure the soup is simmering, not boiling. This gentle cooking method will keep the pork tender and juicy, rather than tough and dry.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot for easy cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later.
Knife skills: Hone your knife skills to efficiently and safely prepare ingredients.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to save time and reduce stress.
Efficient tools: Invest in high-quality kitchen tools and appliances to expedite the cooking process.
Time-saving gadgets: Utilize time-saving gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to simplify meal prep.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid unnecessary steps and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Gingered Cabbage Soup with Pork and Potatoes Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the dish while also being a healthier alternative to butter.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a subtle complexity to the soup.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger in a 1:2 ratio. It provides a similar flavor and aroma to the dish.
green cabbage - Substitute with Napa cabbage: Napa cabbage has a more delicate and slightly sweeter flavor compared to green cabbage, adding a different dimension to the soup.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly while still providing a flavorful base.
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can add a hint of sweetness and a different texture to the soup, creating a unique twist on the original recipe.
pork tenderloin - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative to pork tenderloin, offering a lighter protein option for the soup.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the soup, complementing the other ingredients in a different way.
Best Way to Present This Hearty Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the gingered cabbage soup with pork and potatoes, focus on creating a visually stunning presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. Ensure that the pork, potatoes, and cabbage are evenly distributed, creating an appealing balance.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of elegance to the dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also infuses the dish with a delightful aroma, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Elevate the visual appeal of the soup by incorporating an artistic drizzle of olive oil on the surface. This not only adds a touch of sophistication but also imparts a subtle richness to the dish.
Use complementary dinnerware: Select dinnerware that complements the earthy tones of the soup and allows the vibrant colors to stand out. Consider using ceramic or porcelain bowls to create a refined and polished presentation.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the finer details, such as wiping the rim of the bowl to ensure a clean presentation. Every aspect of the plating should reflect precision and care, showcasing the dedication to culinary excellence.
Create a focal point: Arrange the pork slices strategically in the center of the bowl, creating a focal point that draws the eye and highlights the star ingredient of the dish.
Balance and symmetry: Aim for balance and symmetry in the arrangement of the ingredients. The visual harmony of the plating will captivate the judges and guests, reflecting a meticulous approach to presentation.
Enhance with edible flowers: For an added touch of sophistication, consider garnishing the soup with delicate, edible flowers. This unexpected element adds a touch of refinement and elevates the overall aesthetic of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Gingered Cabbage Soup
Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup and ensuring there is enough space for all the ingredients to simmer together.
Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for chopping the onion, ginger, cabbage, and potatoes, as well as for trimming the pork tenderloin.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and pork.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients in the pot without scratching the surface.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the salt, ginger, and lemon juice for the recipe.
Potato masher: A potato masher is used to smash the ginger and help release its flavor into the soup.
Ladle: A ladle is used for serving the soup into bowls.
Tongs: Tongs are useful for handling the pork tenderloin while cooking and serving.
Soup bowls: Soup bowls are necessary for serving the finished gingered cabbage soup with pork and potatoes.
How To Store and Freeze Leftover Gingered Cabbage Soup
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to the container.
If you want to freeze the soup, it's best to do so without the potatoes. Potatoes can become grainy and lose their texture when frozen and thawed.
To freeze the soup, prepare the recipe up until the point where you add the potatoes. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to serve, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the thawed soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add the potatoes at this point and cook until they are tender.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and lemon juice if needed, and stir in fresh parsley before serving.
If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can thin it out with some additional chicken broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
How To Reheat Leftover Gingered Cabbage Soup
- Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures even heating and allows the flavors to meld together once again.
- If you prefer a quicker reheating method, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the pork and potatoes to become tough.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the soup before reheating. This will help loosen the consistency and prevent the soup from becoming too thick.
- If you find that the ginger flavor has mellowed after storing the soup, grate a small amount of fresh ginger into the soup while reheating to revive the zingy taste.
- To add a fresh twist to your leftover soup, garnish it with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. These bright flavors will help liven up the dish.
- If you have any leftover cooked rice or noodles, consider adding them to the reheated soup for a heartier meal. The starches will absorb the flavorful broth and make the soup even more satisfying.
- For a crispy texture contrast, top the reheated soup with a handful of crispy fried onions or croutons. This adds a delightful crunch to the smooth and comforting soup.
Random Fact about Gingered Cabbage Soup with Pork and Potatoes
Gingered cabbage soup with pork and potatoes is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This soup is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and the combination of ginger, pork, and potatoes creates a delicious and satisfying flavor. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for a warm and filling meal on a cold day or a healthy and flavorful option for dinner, this soup is a fantastic choice. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate more vegetables and protein into your diet.
Is Making This Soup Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this gingered cabbage soup with pork and potatoes recipe is quite high. The ingredients are relatively affordable and readily available, making it a budget-friendly option for a household. The combination of cabbage, pork tenderloin, and potatoes offers a satisfying and hearty meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-25, making it an economical choice for a delicious and nutritious dinner. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Gingered Cabbage Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The gingered cabbage soup with pork and potatoes recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. The lean pork tenderloin provides high-quality protein, while the cabbage and potatoes contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The use of fresh ginger and parsley adds a burst of flavor and additional health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to enhance its nutritional value:
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil
- Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall salt content of the dish
- Include additional vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Opt for whole potatoes with the skin on to maximize the fiber intake
To further elevate the health benefits of this soup, you could:
- Add a handful of leafy greens, like spinach or kale, during the last few minutes of cooking to boost the vitamin and mineral content
- Incorporate whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, to increase the fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of nuts or seeds, like pumpkin seeds or almonds, for added healthy fats and a satisfying crunch
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like turmeric or garlic, to enhance the flavor profile while providing additional health benefits
Editor's Thoughts on This Flavorful Soup Recipe
The gingered cabbage soup with pork and potatoes recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The use of fresh ginger adds a vibrant and aromatic element to the dish, while the tender pork and hearty potatoes provide a satisfying balance. The addition of lemon juice and parsley at the end brightens the overall flavor profile. This recipe offers a comforting and nourishing meal that is perfect for any occasion. The wine recommendation of Tokay Pinot Gris is a thoughtful touch, adding a layer of sophistication to the dining experience. Overall, this recipe is a culinary triumph that is sure to impress.
Enhance Your Gingered Cabbage Soup with Pork and Potatoes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Other Hearty Soup Recipes Similar to This One
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with This Soup Recipe
Why trust this Gingered Cabbage Soup with Pork and Potatoes Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying and wholesome meal. The use of fresh ginger adds a vibrant and aromatic touch, while the tender pork tenderloin brings a rich and savory element. The addition of potatoes provides a comforting and hearty base, complemented by the subtle sweetness of the cabbage. With the infusion of chicken broth and a hint of lemon juice, this soup promises a delightful balance of savory and zesty notes. The careful selection of ingredients and precise cooking instructions guarantee a delicious and nourishing dining experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Indonesian Sweet Potato and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe
Crockpot Cabbage Chili Soup Recipe
Healing Cabbage Soup Recipe
Skinny Cabbage Soup Recipe
Cabbage Soup with Sausage Recipe
Roasted Hispi Cabbage with Garlic & Chilli Crumb Recipe
Braised Red Cabbage Recipe
Slow Cooker Red Cabbage Recipe
Carbonara Cabbage Recipe
Halupki (Stuffed Cabbage) Recipe
