Pork Liver Soup

Taiwan Pork Liver Soup Recipe - Delicious and Comforting Meal

Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Pork liver soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is popular in many Asian cuisines. This soup is not only flavorful but also packed with essential nutrients that are beneficial for your health.

History

Pork liver soup has been a traditional dish in many Asian cultures for centuries. It is often enjoyed as a comforting and nourishing meal, especially during the colder months. The combination of tender pork liver, savory broth, and noodles creates a hearty and satisfying soup that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 tbsp of peanut oil
4 medium shallots, finely chopped
0.5 lb (227 g) of pork liver, sliced very thin
6 cups of water or chicken broth
1 cup of chopped water tai noodles.

How to prepare

Heat the wok until it is smoky hot. Add oil, swirling it around the sides of the wok. Add finely chopped shallot and cook, stirring vigorously, until the shallots begin to caramelize.
Add the liver slices and sear them to seal in the juices. Add water or broth and bring it to a slow boil. Cook for 3 minutes.
Add the chopped watercress and cook for 1 minute.
If using very fine Chinese noodles, add them directly to the pot, breaking them apart with chopsticks. After one minute, remove from heat. The noodles will finish cooking during the serving.
If using angel hair pasta, parboil it for one minute, then add it to the soup.
Serves 4 - 6.

Variations

Add vegetables such as bok choy, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of noodles such as rice noodles or egg noodles for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the liver very thin to ensure that it cooks quickly and evenly.

- Searing the liver before adding it to the broth helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor.

- Use high-quality chicken broth for the best results.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more salt or pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pork liver soup hot with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Searing the liver before adding it to the broth helps to enhance the flavor of the soup.

- Boil the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use beef liver or chicken liver instead of pork liver in this recipe.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pork liver soup with fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the pork liver soup with a light and refreshing salad or a side of pickled vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pork liver soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pork liver soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of pork liver soup contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of pork liver soup contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Pork liver is a good source of vitamin A, iron, and other essential nutrients that are important for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and gluten from the noodles. It may also contain soy if using soy sauce.

Summary

Pork liver soup is a nutrient-dense dish that is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for those looking to add more variety to their diet.

Summary

Pork liver soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, you can enjoy a bowl of this flavorful soup in no time.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning vibrant shades of orange and red, and the air was filled with the comforting smell of fallen leaves and chimney smoke. I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that had belonged to my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who had passed away a few months earlier.

Mrs. Jenkins was a wonderful cook, and she had a knack for creating delicious and hearty meals that warmed the soul. As I flipped through the cards, my eyes landed on a simple, but intriguing recipe for Pork Liver Soup. I had never tried making liver soup before, but something about the recipe called to me. Perhaps it was the nostalgia of Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, or the challenge of trying something new and different.

I decided to give it a try. I gathered the ingredients - pork liver, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and a few herbs and spices - and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped and sautéed and simmered, the familiar scents of cooking filled the air, bringing back memories of Mrs. Jenkins and her warm, welcoming kitchen.

After a few hours of gentle cooking, the soup was ready. I ladled out a steaming bowlful and took a tentative sip. The flavors burst on my tongue - savory and earthy, with a hint of sweetness from the vegetables. The pork liver was tender and rich, adding a depth of flavor that I had never experienced before.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I made a few tweaks here and there, adding a splash of sherry for richness and a pinch of thyme for depth. I served the soup to my family that evening, watching as their faces lit up with surprise and delight at the new dish on the table.

From that day on, Pork Liver Soup became a beloved recipe in my repertoire. I shared it with friends and family, passing on the warmth and comfort of Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen to those around me. Each time I make the soup, I think of her and the joy she brought to those around her through her cooking.

Years passed, and the recipe endured, becoming a cherished tradition in our family. It was the soup we turned to on cold winter nights, when a bowl of something warm and nourishing was all we needed to feel cozy and content. It was the soup we made for celebrations and gatherings, a reminder of the simple pleasures of good food and good company.

As I sit here now, with the recipe card in my hand and memories of Mrs. Jenkins swirling in my mind, I am filled with gratitude for the gift she gave me that day - the gift of a new recipe, a new tradition, and a new connection to the past. Pork Liver Soup may seem like a simple dish, but to me, it is so much more. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

And so, I will continue to make this soup, to share it with those I love, and to pass it on to future generations. For in the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal, we forge connections that endure long after the last spoonful has been savored. And in that, there is true magic and beauty.