Introduction
Every time I make this Piggy Soup Recipe, it reminds me why I love being in the kitchen. As a chef, I’ve always believed that a pot of soup can turn an ordinary day into something special—and this recipe proves it every single time!
» Imagine tender pork, simmering with vegetables, herbs, and a rich broth… the kind of aroma that fills the whole house and makes everyone peek into the kitchen.
Did you know that pork-based soups are among the most flavor-packed comfort dishes around the world? Their natural richness delivers that deep, satisfying umami people love so much.
Today, I’m sharing not just a homemade family recipe—but a warm, homestyle experience. Whether you’re cooking for family and friends or just treating yourself, this Piggy Soup will wrap you in pure coziness.
So let’s get started!
👉 What Is Piggy Soup?
» Piggy Soup is a hearty, pork-based soup made with tender pieces of pork simmered with vegetables, herbs, spices, and a savory broth.
Here’s what makes it special:
» A rustic dish rooted in comfort-food traditions
» Known for its rich, savory, slow-cooked flavor
» Packed with vegetables for balance and nutrition
» Uses pork cuts that become extra tender during simmering
The best part? You can customize it in countless ways and still enjoy its cozy charm.
⭐ You May Also Like:
» Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe
👉 Why You’ll Love This Piggy Soup Recipe
There are so many reasons this Piggy Soup becomes a repeat favorite in every kitchen:
» Budget-friendly — pork and veggies stretch beautifully into a full meal.
» Easy to customize — add spice, make it creamy, or load it with veggies.
» Slow-simmered flavor — the longer it cooks, the richer it becomes.
» Family-approved — even picky eaters enjoy the tender pork pieces.
If you love simple, rustic cooking that fills your home with warmth, this soup checks every box.
👉 Kitchen Equipment Required For Piggy Soup Recipe
» You don’t need anything fancy—just a few basic tools:
» Large soup pot or Dutch oven
» Wooden spoon or spatula
» Cutting board
» Sharp knife
» Measuring cups and spoons
» Ladle
» Bowls for serving
Optional: Slow cooker or Instant Pot
Optional: Skimmer for removing foam
Ingredients All You Need for Piggy Soup Recipe 2026
Here’s everything you need to bring this warm, comforting bowl to life:
👉 For the Pork & Broth
♥ 1.5 lbs (700 g) pork shoulder, cut into chunks
♥ ½ lb (225 g) pork belly or ham hock (optional, for extra richness)
♥ 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth or water
♥ 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning the pork)
👉 Vegetables To Add
♥ 2 medium carrots, sliced
♥ 2 celery stalks, chopped
♥ 1 large onion, diced
♥ 3 medium potatoes, cubed
♥ 4 garlic cloves, minced
👉 Herbs & Seasonings
♥ 2 bay leaves
♥ 1 tsp dried thyme
♥ 1 tsp paprika (optional)
♥ 1 tsp black pepper
♥ 1–1.5 tsp salt, or to taste
👉 Optional Add-Ins
♥ 1 cup cabbage, shredded
♥ ½ cup peas or corn
♥ 1 cup white beans or kidney beans, drained
♥ 1–2 cups fresh spinach, added at the end
♥ 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for brightness)
♥ Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Piggy Soup Step-by-Step at Home 2026
» Here are the Step-by-Step Instructions for Piggy Soup in a warm, simple, and my chef-style simple tone.
🍽️ Serving: 4–6 Servings
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
🛌 Resting Time: 5 minutes
⏲️ Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
💲Estimated Cost: $12–$18 (approx., depending on ingredients)
👉 Step 1. Prepare the Pork
♥ Start by rinsing your pork shoulder under cold water and patting it dry with a clean towel. This helps the meat brown better.
♥ Cut it into medium-sized chunks—big enough to stay tender while cooking, but small enough to fit comfortably on a spoon.
♥ If you’re using pork belly or ham hock for extra flavor, keep them whole or in large pieces.
👉 Step 2. Brown the Pork
♥ First, you need to heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan on a medium flame. Now add the pork in pieces in batches to the hot oil.
♥ Don’t overcrowd the pot—this step is all about getting that golden-brown sear. Browning the meat adds layers of deep, savory flavor you simply can’t fake.
♥ Let each side caramelize before turning. Once all pieces are browned, remove them and set aside.
👉 Step 3. Sauté the Aromatics
♥ In the same pot (all those brown bits at the bottom are flavor gold!), add your diced onions, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic.
♥ Sauté them for 5–7 minutes, or until they turn soft and fragrant. This step creates the aromatic foundation of your entire soup.
👉 Step 4. Add Pork & Make the Broth
♥ Return the browned pork to the pot along with any juices that collected on the plate.
♥ Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth or water—enough to fully cover the pork and vegetables.
♥ Now you can add some bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper with a pinch of salt to taste. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
👉 Step 5. Simmer Low & Slow
♥ Now bring a gentle boil, then reduce the flame from high to low. Cover with the lid and let it simmer for at least 1 to 1½ hours.
♥ Now you’ll get the soft and tender pork pieces. Then you need to stir occasionally and skim off the extra foam.
👉 Step 6. Add Optional Ingredients
♥ After the initial simmer, add your cubed potatoes. If you’re tossing in extras like beans, cabbage, peas, or corn, this is the perfect time to add them too.
♥ Simmer for another 20–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
👉 Step 7. Final Touches
♥ Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning—sometimes all it needs is a pinch more salt or a sprinkle of black pepper.
♥ Stir in fresh spinach or parsley during the last 2 minutes of cooking so they stay vibrant and fresh.
👉 Step 8. Let it Rest, Serve and Enjoy!
♥ Now you can turn off the heat and let it rest for at least 5–10 minutes.
♥ This little pause helps the flavors settle and makes every spoonful taste richer.
♥ Ladle your Piggy Soup into bowls and enjoy it warm with bread, biscuits, or your favorite sides.
Key Ingredient Substitutes For the Piggy Soup
Here’s a quick and helpful substitution guide if you’re missing an ingredient:
| Ingredient | Substitute Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pork shoulder | Pork belly, pork ribs, ham hocks | Try to use fatty cuts for flavor |
| Potatoes | Sweet potatoes, turnips, cauliflower | Adjust cooking time as needed |
| Carrots | Pumpkin, squash, parsnips | Adds natural sweetness |
| Celery | Bell peppers, fennel, leeks | Still gives aromatic flavor |
| Onion | Shallots, green onions | Use more for stronger taste |
| Garlic | Garlic powder, roasted garlic | Adjust quantity carefully |
| Thyme | Oregano, rosemary, Italian seasoning | Use half the amount if strong |
| Bay leaves | Basil, sage | Optional but adds depth |
| Broth | Water with bouillon cubes | Add extra seasoning |
| Beans | Lentils, chickpeas | Great for protein |
| Greens | Spinach, kale, cabbage | Add at the end |
👉 Healthy Ingredient Swaps for Piggy Soup
Here are healthy ingredient swaps you can try:
» Use olive oil instead of butter.
» Choose low-sodium broth.
» Use lean pork instead of fatty cuts.
» Replace some potatoes with cauliflower.
» Try turkey bacon for a lighter smoky flavor.
» Add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini.
» You can try milk or coconut milk for heavy cream
» Pick whole-grain pasta or brown rice if adding grains.
Best Cooking Methods for Piggy Soup You Can Try
1. Stovetop Method (Traditional): The classic way to make Piggy Soup. Brown the pork, sauté veggies, add broth, and simmer until everything becomes tender and flavorful. Great for full, rich taste.
2. Slow Cooker Method (Hands-Off Cooking): Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook low and slow for 6–8 hours. The pork becomes incredibly tender, and the flavors blend beautifully without effort.
3. Instant Pot & Pressure Cooker Method: Sauté pork & veggies & broth in pressure cooker for at least 20–25 minutes. Perfect when you want a homemade soup quickly.
4. Oven Method (Deep Flavor): Combine browned pork, veggies, and broth in an oven-safe pot and bake at low heat for a few hours. This method creates deep, slow-roasted flavor without watching the stove.
5. One-Pot Method (Minimal Cleanup): Everything cooks in one pot—from browning meat to simmering the soup—making the process simple, fast, and clean.
Tips To Make the Perfect Piggy Soup Recipe
Cooking Piggy Soup is simple, but these tips make it spectacular:
» Add herbs early, add fresh herbs at the end
» Add lemon zest for a surprising brightness
» Brown the pork first for a deeper, richer flavor.
» Use bone-in pork if possible—it adds natural richness.
» Add potatoes later to keep them from turning mushy.
» Taste as you go—adjust seasoning slowly.
» For the best flavors, simmer it for a low and slow flame.
» Can I make Piggy Soup ahead of time?
Yes, You can make, it tastes even better the next day.
👉 Piggy Soup Recipe Variations You Can Try!
» Give your Piggy Soup a fun twist with these delicious versions:
» Smoky Piggy Soup: Use smoked ham hocks, bacon, or smoked paprika.
» Spicy Piggy Soup: Add jalapeños, red chili flakes, or hot sauce for heat lovers.
» Instant Pot Piggy Soup: Pressure cook for quick, flavorful results in under 40 minutes.
» Pork & Bean Piggy Soup: Great for a thicker, stew-like version—add white beans or kidney beans.
» Slow Cooker Piggy Soup: Dump everything in and cook low for 7–8 hours for fall-apart tenderness.
» Veggie-Loaded Piggy Soup: Add zucchini, peas, corn, cabbage, or mushrooms for a nutritious boost.
How do I thicken the soup?
Mash a few potatoes inside the pot or add a cornstarch slurry.
👉 Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips For Piggy Soup
Storage Tips:
» Store leftover Piggy Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
» Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and keep the flavor fresh.
Freezing Tips:
» You can keep this Piggy soup in a freezer-safe container.
» Piggy Soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze it without potatoes or pasta (if added) to avoid mushiness.
Reheating Tips:
» Reheat slowly on the stovetop over medium heat until hot and bubbly.
» You can also reheat the frozen with a splash of broth, if required.
Pairing & Serving Suggestions for Piggy Soup
Make your Piggy Soup Recipe even better with these perfect pairings:
Bread & Sides
♥ Crusty baguette
♥ Garlic toast
♥ Cornbread
♥ Buttery biscuits
♥ Cheesy breadsticks
Toppings
♥ Fresh parsley
♥ Lemon zest
♥ Grated Parmesan
♥ Sour cream
♥ Crushed red pepper
Light Sides
♥ Garden salad
♥ Steamed vegetables
♥ Coleslaw
♥ Rice or quinoa on the side
Meal Ideas
Serve it as:
♥ A cozy family dinner
♥ A hearty lunch with bread
♥ A warm starter before a bigger meal
Best Alternate Soup Recipes You Can Try!
If you loved this Piggy Soup, you’ll definitely enjoy these comfort soups too:
♥ Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
♥ Slow Cooker Pork Stew
♥ Hearty Vegetable Soup
♥ Loaded Potato Soup
♥ Chicken Noodle Soup
♥ Ham and Bean Soup
♥ Beef and Barley Soup
♥ Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
These recipes pair beautifully with cold weather, busy weeknights, or days when you want something warm and filling.
⭐ You May Also Like:
» My other homemade soup recipes
Piggy Soup Nutrition Facts
(Approximate values per 1 serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320–360 kcal |
| Protein | 22–26 g |
| Fat | 14–18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25–30 g |
| Fiber | 3–5 g |
| Sugar | 4–6 g |
| Sodium | 680–780 mg |
| Potassium | 700–850 mg |
| Vitamin A | 70–90% DV |
| Vitamin C | 20–30% DV |
| Iron | 8–12% DV |
Piggy Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the pork until lightly golden.
- Add onions, garlic, and veggies; sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in broth and seasonings.
- Simmer until the pork becomes tender.
- Adjust salt, add herbs, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash a few cooked potatoes into the broth.
- Add extra veggies for more nutrition.
- Adjust seasonings to match your family’s taste.
- Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving for the deeper flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Old-Fashioned Piggy Soup?
Old-fashioned Piggy Soup is a traditional, hearty pork soup made with slowly simmered pork, vegetables, and herbs.
Old-fashioned Piggy Soup relies on slow cooking, simple ingredients, and bone-in pork for natural richness. Modern versions may add cream, canned ingredients, or shortcuts, but traditional soup focuses on deep, home-cooked flavor.
Is old-fashioned Piggy Soup healthy?
Yes, it’s naturally nutritious. It includes protein-rich pork, fresh vegetables, and a broth packed with vitamins. You can make it lighter by trimming fat or adding more vegetables.
What vegetables go best in this soup?
Carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, and cabbage are classic choices. They add sweetness, texture, and nutrition to the broth while complementing the pork’s savory richness.
How can I thicken old-fashioned Piggy Soup?
Mash a few cooked potatoes directly in the pot or add a small cornstarch slurry. Both methods create a thicker, heartier consistency without changing the classic flavor.
How long does old-fashioned Piggy Soup take to cook?
It typically takes 1½ to 2 hours on the stovetop. This slow cooking allows the pork to become tender and the broth to develop its rich, comforting flavor.
Can I use leftover pork for old-fashioned Piggy Soup?
Yes, leftover pork works wonderfully. Add it during the final 10–15 minutes of cooking so it warms gently without drying out, keeping the soup tender and flavorful.
What type of pork is best for old-fashioned Piggy Soup?
Pork shoulder or bone-in pork cuts are ideal. They become tender during long simmering and release natural collagen, creating a richer and more flavorful broth.
Can I make the old-fashioned Piggy Soup recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours. The flavors deepen beautifully, and the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
My Final Thoughts
Every bowl of this Piggy Soup Recipe feels like a hug, and as a chef, that’s exactly what I aim for—food that brings joy, warmth, and connection. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or simply to fill your home with that irresistible homemade aroma, this recipe delivers every time.
So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and let this rich, hearty Piggy Soup become a new favorite in your kitchen. If you have any thoughts or suggestions about this soup recipe, then write to me in the comment section below – I’d love to hear from you! Till then,
Let’s keep cooking, creating, and enjoying every delicious moment! 💛
