Chinese Winter Melon Soup Recipe
Chinese Winter Melon Soup Recipe
Who’s ever had the pleasure of tasting Chinese Winter Melon Soup? Well, then you know just how comfortingly sustaining it could be. I first encountered the soup at a family get-together and was instantly hooked. The soup itself had a light yet hearty texture, with a clear broth carrying the subtle sweetness of the winter melon, as well as the deep richness of the meat stock. It is a wonderful balance of flavors, refreshing, satisfying, and easy to make.
I have tried the various versions over time and modified the ingredients according to my taste and the available ingredients. Through several attempts, I settled on a recipe that best fits the traditional version of this dish. Here is how you can make it at home.
Why Winter Melon?
This might not seem super interesting as winter melon is the star of this dish. While cooking, the melon soaks up that savory broth, then transforms to a subtle sweetness to improve this soup. The taste is mild, unlike the melons you eat from the store; but they are packed with nutrients. As the melon cooks, its flesh softens, which contrasts nicely with the richness of the broth. It is quite hydrating too so it helps to cut through the heavier meatier fare we typically have in the colder months.
Health Benefits:
- Winter melon is high in water content and is therefore suitable for the body’s water needs and digestion.
- The chicken and pork bones contain protein and collagen that are healthy for the skin and the joints.
- The finely chopped dried date can be used as a natural sweetener and is potentially used in Chinese medicine to strengthen the immune system and for circulation.
- One cup of this soup has very few calories and can complement a high protein and healthy fat intake to provide a satisfying appetizer.
Final Thoughts:
For whatever reason, I find myself coming back to this Chinese Winter Melon Soup recipe. This is very simple to make, nutritious, and can also be tweaked to meet the preferences of everyone. No matter when you’re making it for a family, friends, or simply you alone on a chilly day, it is a recipe that never disappoints. It’s one of my favorite pieces of recipe and I do hope you can enjoy it in the same way I do, thank you for watching!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Chinese winter melon soup recipe with chicken
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds of winter melon. Take the outer skin off of it and then cut it into thick slices.
- Cut 2 to 2.5 pounds of chicken. You can use a whole chicken, chicken pieces with bone, or even chicken bones.
- 6 dried Chinese shiitake mushrooms. Soak them in warm water.
- Take 4 dried dates commonly known as jujubes. Soak them in warm water.
- Ingredients should be covered with water, therefore using 16 to 20 cups of water.
- Add salt to taste.
- You can also add chicken broth powder to enhance the taste of the dish (optional).
Instructions:
- Gather the Ingredients: Wash the winter melon and peel off the skin before slicing it into adequate small portions. The chicken pieces or bones should be rinsed in hot water for a few seconds before briefly boiling. Sous the dried mushrooms and dates with warm water for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Broth: These are put in a big pot with the chicken and 16–20 cups of water are added to the pot. Boil it, the heat should be reduced, and let it be on a slow heat, any scum formed should be skimmed off.
- Add Vegetables & Flavors: Add in the soaked shiitake mushrooms, dried dates, and winter melon. Leave it to simmer for 1.5 – 2 hours or until the melon becomes tender and the ingredients intermingled.
- Season & Enjoy: Add salt to your liking. You can also add chicken broth powder for flavor enhancement We have to add more liquids and remove some of the rice. Serve it hot.
Chinese winter melon soup recipe easy
Ingredients:
- 1 small winter melon, peeled and cut up into slices.
- 2 Chicken thighs or breast, with bone removed, skin discarded.
- 4 cups of water or chicken broth to the meal, in case you have it on hand.
- 1 to 2 dried dates, optional, for some sweetness.
- Salt to your liking.
- A few slices of ginger which is optional for the preparation process.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel the winter melon and cut it into small cubes. If you have the dried dates, chop them also into fine pieces. If using chicken, it should be cut into portions; if using thighs then it can be whole, and julienne the ginger.
- Cook the Soup: Place the chicken with water (or broth), diced ginger, and dates in a pot. Boil it, then lower the heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes.
- Add the Winter Melon: Place the winter melon pieces inside the pot and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes until the winter melon becomes soft.
- Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to your desire before warm the soup before serving.
Referred By Vocal Media Article Written By Mustafa Rangoonwala.
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