Pot Liquor Soup
Pot Liquor Soup is a hearty Southern dish featuring tender collards, ham, potatoes, and flavorful broth, perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove stems from collards, rinse thoroughly, drain, and tear into 1-inch pieces.
- Cover collards with water and bring to a boil, then remove from heat and drain.
- Repeat the boiling and draining process to ensure tenderness.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add chopped ham steak and cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in diced red potatoes, chicken broth, field peas, crowder peas, water, vermouth, and white vinegar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
- Stir in hot sauce before serving for added spice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a bay leaf during cooking. If collards are unavailable, kale can be a suitable substitute. You can also use leftover ham or any other cooked meat to enhance the dish. Adjust the hot sauce to your spice preference and feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Almondigas With Tomato Sauce for a delightful combination. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness. This dish is also great for meal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pot Liquor Soup contains roughly 1102 calories, with 27g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (124% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2942mg per serving (128% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen collards instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen collards, which are convenient and save prep time. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding them to the pot. The flavor will still be delicious, but fresh collards provide a better texture.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham steak and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add more vegetables or legumes for protein, such as lentils or chickpeas, to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
What can I substitute for vermouth?
If you don't have vermouth, you can use dry white wine or a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with water. For a non-alcoholic option, consider using additional chicken or vegetable broth with a hint of lemon juice for acidity.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).