Wild Rice and Pork Soup

Meal Ideas

Party with Pork

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

2 boneless pork chops, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon oil
1/2 cup onions, chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup wild rice, cooked
1 15 1/2-oz can Great Northern beans, drained
1 15 1/2-oz can chick peas, drained
1 4-oz can diced green chiles, drained
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 14 1/2-oz can chicken broth
parsley , chopped

In 4-quart saucepan sauté onions and pork in oil over medium-high heat until onions are soft and pork lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in all remaining ingredients except parsley; bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer 20 minutes. Serve garnished with parsley.

Serves 6.

Wine suggestion: Serve with a soft red like Merlot.

This hearty soup is easy to put together just before serving. Serve with buttered rye bread, celery and carrot sticks and fresh fruit.
To make one cup cooked wild rice, bring to a boil 1 1/3 cups water (or broth) with 1/3 cup wild rice; cover, lower heat and simmer for 35-45 minutes. Refrigerate until using.

Calories: 250 calories
Protein: 17 grams
Fat: 6 grams
Sodium: 540 milligrams
Cholesterol: 20 milligrams
Saturated Fat: 1 grams
Carbohydrates: 35 grams

Random Cooking Tip:

For marinated pork chops, put pork in a self-sealing bag with marinade in the refrigerator first thing in the morning. By suppertime, pork chops can be removed from marinade -dispose of used marinade- and ready to grill.

Ratings

Buying/Handling/Storing Tip:

Modern-day production has reduced pork’s fat content.In fact, pork is a major contender in the lean meat category and many cuts of pork are as lean or leaner than chicken. For example, pork tenderloin is just as lean as a skinless chicken breast with 2.98 grams of fat per 3 ounce serving and meets the government guidelines for “extra lean.” For the leanest cuts of pork, look for the words “loin” on the label.

Other Pork Buying/Handling/Storing Tips

Ask Your Butcher

Pork cubes and slices are extremely versatile. All are typically cut from the loin area - but cubes and slices may be cut from virtually any fresh pork cut.

More Butcher Tips

About the Cut

Cubes are often the basis for kabobs which can be sautéed or grilled. Cubes and pieces also may be braised or stewed for soups and stews. Sautéed strips can be the basis of a quick-cooking meal like a stir-fry dish, a dinner salad or a hearty sandwich. Cooking times vary depending on the size of the pieces.

Learn About the Pork Cuts

Cooking Method: Stewing

COOKING BASICS:
1)	Season meat, if desired.
2)	In large, heavy skillet with lid, brown meat on all sides in a small amount of oil; remove excess drippings from pan.
3)	Add a small amount of liquid and cover pan tightly.
4)	Simmer over low heat on the stove or in a low to moderate (275 to 300 degrees F.) oven.

More about this cooking method