Three-Pork Soup

Three-Pork Soup is a delightful and hearty one-pot meal inspired by Spain’s caldo gallego. This lighter version retains all the flavors and makes for a satisfying dish. It combines the richness of salt pork, ham, and smoked chorizo sausage with a medley of vegetables and beans. The result is a comforting and flavorful soup that can be enjoyed as a main course or a starter. Prepare this soup in advance, but make sure not to let it sit for too long to prevent the potatoes from disintegrating. Let’s dive into the recipe for this delicious Three-Pork Soup.

Makes: 4 main-dish or 6 starter servings

Time: 1 1/2 hours, largely unattended

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 pound salt pork or bacon, diced
• 1/4 pound ham, preferably Serrano or prosciutto, with some fat, diced
• 1/2 pound potatoes (any kind), peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1/4 pound turnips, peeled and diced
• 6 cups beef or chicken stock or water
• 1/2 pound smoked chorizo sausage, peeled and sliced
• 1 small head cabbage, preferably Savoy, cored and shredded
• 1 cup cooked and drained large white beans, like cannellini, lima, or gigante
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large, deep pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced salt pork or bacon and ham to the pot and cook until browned, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Add the cubed potatoes, sliced onion, diced turnips, and the beef or chicken stock to the pot. Simmer the soup until the potatoes are tender, which will take about 20 minutes.
3. Add the sliced smoked chorizo sausage, shredded cabbage, and cooked white beans to the pot. Cook the soup just until the chorizo is heated through and the cabbage has softened, for about 10 to 20 minutes.
4. Season the Three-Pork Soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

VARIATION:

• Three Pork Soup, Southern Style: For a Southern twist, you can make a variation of this soup. Substitute 2 ham hocks for the ham, mild smoked sausage for the chorizo, and 1 pound of collard or kale greens for the cabbage. After cooking the potatoes in Step 2, remove the ham hocks from the pot, take the meat off the bones, chop it, and return it to the soup. For the greens, remove and discard any stems over 1/4 inch thick, then chop both the stems and leaves. Add them to the pot along with the sausage in Step 2.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of this Three-Pork Soup as a complete meal or a starter. Serve the Three-Pork Soup steaming hot and relish the rich flavors of the salt pork, ham, chorizo, and a medley of vegetables. Whether you stick to  the classic version or try the Southern-style variation, this soup is a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy it as a main dish or a starter, and savor the delicious combination of tender meats, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth. Gather around the table with your loved ones, savor each spoonful, and let the Three-Pork Soup warm your body and soul.