It’s hard to argue with soup in winter. Or anytime, really. And when soup combines all of Greg’s favorite flavors: pork, Asian spices and bitter greens? Well, there’s no arguing at all. Greg did this one all on his own, and it is really a keeper.
Spicy Pork Soup with Mustard Greens
From Jan. 2012 issue of Bon Appetit. It would be fine to substitue kale or Swiss chard in this. Even bok choy would work great.
1/2 pound ground pork
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
2 teaspoons finely grated peeled ginger
1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bunch mustard greens, torn (about 4 cups)
4 scallions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)
8 ounces wide rice noodles
Mix pork, garlic, ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and cumin in a medium bowl. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add pork mixture; season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring and breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, 8–10 minutes.
Add broth and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until flavors meld, 8–10 minutes. Add mustard greens, scallions, soy sauce, and fish sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender, 5–8 minutes; season with salt and black pepper.
Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Divide noodles among bowls and ladle soup over.
