How to Make Pork Neck Bone Soup

Regarding comfort food, few things compare to pork neck bone soup’s rich, savory flavors. Slow-cooked with tender vegetables and seasoned to perfection, this hearty meal brings warmth to every bite. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly dish or a nostalgic recipe that reminds you of home, pork neck bone soup is a soulful classic that never disappoints. Packed with tender meat, potatoes, and carrots, this simple yet flavorful soup is perfect for cold days when you need something satisfying and nourishing. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious one-pot wonder!

How to Make Soul Food Style Pork Neck Bone Soup

Recipe ingredients

• 2 lb pork neck bones
• 3 medium golden potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 2 mini corn cobs, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp seasoning salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 package French onion soup mix (2 oz)
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Recipe Instructions

1. Prepare the Neck Bones: Rinse the pork neck bones thoroughly under cold water. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped red onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions become tender and translucent.
3. Add Neck Bones & Seasoning: Add the pork neck bones to the pot along with the seasoning salt, black pepper, and French onion soup mix. Stir everything together to coat the meat with the spices.
4. Add Broth & Carrots: Pour in the chicken broth and add the carrots. Stir well, bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
5. Add Potatoes & Corn: After 1.5 hours, add the cubed potatoes and mini corn cobs to the pot. Stir and cover again. Cook for an additional 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
6. Check & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once the meat is tender and falling off the bone, serve the soup hot. Enjoy with cornbread or dinner rolls for a complete, comforting meal!

How to Make Pork Neck Bone Soup on Stovetop?

Making Pork Neck Bone Soup on your stovetop is easy, use the same ingredients, and follow these adjusted steps:

Step-by-Step Stovetop Instructions:

1. Start by rinsing the pork neck bones under cold water. This helps remove any impurities. Set them aside.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant.
3. Place the cleaned pork neck bones into the pot. Add the seasoning salt, black pepper, and the French onion soup mix. Stir everything together to evenly coat the meat and vegetables with the seasoning.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the sliced carrots. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
5. After 1.5 hours, add the peeled and cubed potatoes and the mini corn cobs to the pot. Stir well and cover again. Continue simmering on low heat for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the meat is falling off the bones.
6. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. Once everything is cooked through and the broth is flavorful, your soup is ready. Serve hot with your choice of bread, such as cornbread or dinner rolls.

Cooking on the stovetop allows for constant supervision and adjustment, ensuring that the soup develops rich flavors and tender textures.

Can you use smoked pork neck bones?

Yes, smoked pork neck bones can be used in the soup, but they will add a different, more robust flavor compared to regular neck bones. The smoky taste will deepen the flavor of the broth, giving the soup a heartier, more complex profile. Here are a few things to consider when using smoked neck bones:

1. Since smoked neck bones tend to have a stronger, saltier flavor, you may want to reduce the amount of seasoning salt or other salty ingredients to avoid an overly salty dish.
2. The cooking process remains the same, as smoked neck bones also benefit from slow simmering to tenderize the meat.
3. Expect the broth to have a more pronounced smoky flavor, which can be balanced with the sweetness of vegetables like carrots and corn.

If you’re looking for a bolder taste in your pork neck bone soup, smoked neck bones are a great alternative.