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## **Pork Rib Soup with Carrots, Corn, and Radish**
### **Introduction**
Pork Rib Soup with Carrots, Corn, and Radish is a heartwarming, nourishing dish celebrated across many Asian cultures. With its light yet flavorful broth and nutrient-rich ingredients, it’s the kind of comfort food that warms the soul and satisfies the body. Whether served as a weeknight meal or as part of a traditional family gathering, this soup brings a taste of home to the table.
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### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
This soup draws its roots primarily from Chinese and Southeast Asian home cooking, where bone-based broths are treasured for their healing properties. In Chinese cuisine, soups made with pork ribs, root vegetables, and mild seasonings are often served alongside rice and other dishes as part of a balanced meal. They’re believed to nourish the body, support digestion, and strengthen the immune system—making them especially popular during colder months or for postpartum recovery.
The combination of corn, carrots, and radish reflects a harmony of flavors and traditional beliefs in balancing “hot” and “cold” foods to promote health.
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### **Ingredients and Quantity**
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for 4-5 servings:
– **Pork ribs (bone-in, cut into 2-inch pieces)** – 1.5 lbs (700g)
– **Carrot (large, peeled and sliced)** – 1
– **Daikon radish (or white radish, peeled and sliced thickly)** – 1 medium
– **Corn (cut into chunks)** – 1 ear
– **Yellow onion (peeled and halved)** – 1
– **Garlic (smashed)** – 4-5 cloves
– **Water or unsalted chicken broth** – 7 cups
– **Salt** – to taste
– **Soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)** – 1-2 tbsp
– **Freshly ground black pepper** – to taste
– **Green onions (chopped, for garnish)** – 1-2 stalks (optional)
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### **Optional Additions**
– **Ginger slices** – for added warmth and digestive support
– **Goji berries** – for a subtly sweet note and antioxidant benefits
– **Shiitake mushrooms** – for an umami boost
– **Dried dates or Chinese red dates** – to enrich the soup with natural sweetness
– **Kombu (dried kelp)** – for a mineral-rich, umami depth
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### **Tips for Success**
– **Blanch the pork ribs**: Always boil and rinse the ribs before simmering to remove impurities and ensure a clear broth.
– **Low and slow**: Simmer gently to extract flavor without making the broth cloudy.
– **Add vegetables in stages**: To prevent overcooking, add the vegetables only after the meat has softened.
– **Taste as you go**: Salt lightly at first and adjust once the soup has developed more flavor.
– **Let it rest**: Soup often tastes better after resting or even the next day.
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### **Instructions**
1. **Blanch the Pork Ribs**
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pork ribs and boil for 5-7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to remove scum and impurities.
2. **Start the Broth**
In a clean pot, add the blanched ribs, 7 cups of water (or chicken broth), onion, garlic, and optionally, ginger slices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Skim off foam as needed. Simmer for 45–60 minutes.
3. **Add the Vegetables**
Add sliced carrots, radish, and corn to the simmering soup. Cook for another 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4. **Season**
Add salt, soy sauce (if using), and black pepper to taste. Remove onion and garlic if desired.
5. **Serve**
Ladle into bowls, garnish with green onions, and enjoy hot.
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### **Description**
This soup is a beautiful balance of flavors and textures—sweet carrots and corn, peppery radish, and meaty pork ribs all bathed in a light, aromatic broth. The clear soup base is soothing and deeply flavorful without being heavy or oily. It’s visually comforting, with golden corn rounds and bright orange carrots adding a splash of color.
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### **Nutritional Information** *(Estimated per serving)*:
– **Calories**: ~300–350 kcal
– **Protein**: ~25g
– **Fat**: ~20g (mostly from pork ribs)
– **Carbohydrates**: ~15–20g
– **Fiber**: ~3g
– **Sodium**: Depends on added salt and soy sauce
Rich in collagen and minerals from the pork bones, this soup is also packed with vitamins A and C from the carrots and radish.
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### **Conclusion and Recommendation**
Pork Rib Soup with Carrots, Corn, and Radish is more than a meal—it’s a reminder of tradition, wellness, and family. With its clean flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s ideal for those looking for a wholesome, satisfying dish that doesn’t weigh you down. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, this soup offers comfort in every spoonful.
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### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
In a world of fast meals and heavy dishes, this soup stands out as a form of healthful indulgence. It’s a dish that encourages mindfulness—slow cooking, intentional ingredients, and the enjoyment of something warm and made with care. Embrace it not just as food, but as a practice in wellness and self-nourishment.
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