Name: Chinese Winter Melon Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 110 min
Yield: Serves 6-8
Ingredients: 2 lbs winter melon, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 lb pork ribs or pork bones, cut into 2-inch pieces; 8 cups chicken stock or water; 1 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced; 3 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced; 2 tablespoons dried goji berries (optional); 2 tablespoons Chinese ham or Jinhua ham, diced (optional); 1/4 cup dried shrimp, soaked and drained; 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine; 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the pork

Rinse the pork ribs or bones under cold water. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to remove any impurities. Drain and rinse again with cold water.
Start the soup base

In a large pot, add the blanched pork, ginger slices, and chicken stock or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 45 minutes until the pork is tender, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
Prepare the winter melon

While the broth is simmering, peel the winter melon, remove the seeds and soft pulp, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
Add the melon and other ingredients

Add the winter melon cubes, soaked shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, and Chinese ham (if using) to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes until the winter melon becomes translucent and tender.
Season the soup

Add salt, white pepper, and Shaoxing wine to taste. If using goji berries, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot. For a complete meal, serve with steamed rice on the side.

Chinese Winter Melon Soup

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutritional Information