Let’s talk about a soup that’s been a game-changer for my weeknight dinners—Tomato Soybean Pig Trotter Soup. I mean, just looking at that vibrant red broth and tender pig trotters makes my mouth water. And the best part? It’s not as greasy as regular pig trotter soup, thanks to the magic of tomatoes. Win-win!
Why This Soup Is a Must-Try
Pig trotters are packed with collagen—hello, glowing skin! Soybeans bring in plant-based protein, which is great for balancing things out. But let’s be real, plain pig trotter soup can feel heavy. That’s where tomatoes step in: they add a bright, tangy flavor, cut through the grease, and load the soup with vitamins. It’s like a beauty treatment in a bowl, but way tastier.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
- 1/2 pig trotter (ask your butcher to clean and cut it into chunks—trust me, it saves time!)
- 3 tomatoes
- 100g soybeans
- 80g tomato paste (this boosts the tomato flavor—don’t skip it!)
- Some ginger (for aroma and to reduce gaminess)
- 1 tbsp cooking wine (helps with the smell too)
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon (adds umami)
- 1 tsp white pepper (a little kick goes a long way)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 scallion (green and white parts separated)
Let’s Cook! (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
First things first: gather everything. Like I said, get the butcher to handle the pig trotter—you don’t want to deal with scraping hair at home. Trust me, it’s not fun.
Step 2: Soak the Soybeans
Pop the soybeans in a bowl of water and let them soak for 1-2 hours. This makes them cook faster and softer later. I usually do this while I’m prepping the other stuff—multitasking at its finest!
Step 3: Blanch the Pig Trotter
Put the pig trotter chunks in a pot of cold water, add a slice of ginger, and bring to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute—this gets rid of the blood and that weird gamey smell.
Step 4: Rinse the Trotter
Take the trotter out and rinse it well under cold water. You want to wash off all the foam—this keeps the soup clear and not cloudy.
Step 5: Prep the Veggies
Wash the tomatoes and cut them into chunks. Slice the ginger and chop the scallion (keep the white and green parts separate).
Step 6: Sauté the Tomatoes
Heat some oil in a pan. Add the ginger slices and scallion whites—sauté until they smell good. Then toss in the tomato chunks and stir-fry them. You want to cook them until they get soft and start to break down a little.
Step 7: Add Water to the Tomatoes
Pour in enough hot water to cover the tomatoes (remember, this will be the base of your soup, so don’t skimp!). Bring it to a boil—this helps the tomato flavor infuse into the water.
Step 8: Stir in Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste and stir well. This gives the soup that rich, deep tomato color and taste. Yum!
Step 9: Transfer to a Slow Cooker (or Pot)
Pour the tomato mixture into a slow cooker (or a heavy-bottomed pot). Then add the blanched pig trotter chunks.
Step 10: Add the Soybeans
Throw in the soaked soybeans—they’ll get nice and tender during cooking.
Step 11: Season It Up
Add the cooking wine, a little sugar (to balance the tomato’s tang), salt, chicken bouillon, and white pepper. Stir everything together.
Step 12: Let It Simmer
Cover the pot and let it cook for about 45 minutes. If you like your trotters super soft, you can cook it longer—maybe an hour. Just check occasionally to make sure there’s enough water.
Step 13: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into a bowl. Look at that—bright red, fragrant, and totally inviting. I promise, even if you’re not hungry, this soup will make you want to dig in.
Pro Tips for Perfection
- Want softer trotters? Cook longer! 1 hour or more will make them fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Peel the tomatoes first (blanch them in hot water for 30 seconds to make peeling easy) if you don’t want tomato skins in your soup. It looks smoother that way.
- Swap soybeans for potatoes if you’re not a fan—potatoes absorb the flavor and get creamy. Just as delicious!
So there you have it—your go-to recipe for a delicious, less greasy tomato soybean pig trotter soup. It’s easy, nutritious, and perfect for any day of the week. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
