Krupnik (Barley and Pork Soup)
A hearty and warming Belarusian soup made with pearl barley, pork, and root vegetables, often flavored with smoked meats for depth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Pearl barley(rinsed)
- 500 g Pork shoulder(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 200 g Smoked pork ribs(cut into pieces (optional, for extra flavor))
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(chopped)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 large Celery stalk(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1/4 cup Fresh dill(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or lard
- 8 cups Water or broth
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the pearl barley under cold water until the water runs clear.
💡 Tip: This helps remove excess starch. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil or lard over medium-high heat. Brown the pork shoulder cubes on all sides. If using smoked ribs, add them and brown lightly.
- 3
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the rinsed barley, cubed potatoes, bay leaves, water or broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
💡 Tip: Ensure enough liquid to cover all ingredients. - 6
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the pork is cooked through.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 7
If using smoked ribs, remove them, shred the meat from the bones, and return the meat to the soup. Discard bones.
💡 Tip: This step is optional but adds significant flavor. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
💡 Tip: The soup should be thick and hearty. - 9
Ladle the Krupnik into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped dill.
💡 Tip: Serve hot, often with a side of dark bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use a good quality pork broth instead of water.
- ✓Don't skip rinsing the barley; it prevents a gummy texture.
- ✓Smoked meats like bacon or ham hocks can be used as an alternative or addition to smoked ribs for added depth.
- ✓If the soup becomes too thick, add more broth or water to reach desired consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use vegetable broth, adding mushrooms for umami.
- A dollop of sour cream can be added to each serving.