A can of hominy can turn a simple pot of broth into something hearty, chewy, and deeply satisfying. It has a gentle corn flavor, a tender bite, and a way of soaking up seasoning without falling apart. That makes it one of the most useful pantry ingredients for soup.

A pot of pork rib soup can be light and clean, dark and herbal, smoky and spicy, or bright with lime and fresh herbs. The ribs bring bone, meat, collagen, and richness. The seasoning decides where the soup travels.