Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Colombia! This hearty rice and pork spine soup is not just a meal; it's a warm embrace of traditional flavors that will comfort your soul and satisfy your deepest hunger. With tender pork, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, flavorful broth, this recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Colombian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork spine
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 6 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pork spine by rinsing it thoroughly under cold water and patting dry with paper towels.
- In a large pot, place the pork spine and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt to the pot. Simmer the pork spine for approximately 45-50 minutes until the meat becomes tender and begins to separate from the bones.
- Remove the pork spine from the broth and set aside. Strain the broth to remove any impurities, ensuring a clear liquid.
- Return the strained broth to the pot and add diced carrots. Simmer for 5 minutes to soften the carrots.
- Add the rice to the broth, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Cook the rice for 15-18 minutes until it is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- While the rice is cooking, separate the meat from the pork spine, removing any bones and cutting the meat into small pieces.
- Once the rice is cooked, add the pork meat back into the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of rice, pork, and broth.
Tips
- Choose quality pork spine: Look for fresh, well-trimmed pork spine with some meat attached for maximum flavor.
- Skimming is key: Always skim off the foam during initial boiling to ensure a clear, clean-tasting broth.
- Low and slow cooking: Simmer the pork spine gently to allow the meat to become tender and release its rich flavors.
- Rice texture matters: Stir the rice gently and avoid overcooking to maintain the perfect al dente consistency.
- Season gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Let it rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors fully develop and integrate.
- Garnish options: Consider adding fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
