Dong Gua Tang

Dong Gua Tang Recipe - Hong Kong White Gourd and Dried Scallop Soup

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Dong Gua Tang is a traditional Chinese soup made with white gourd and dried scallops. This light and flavorful soup is perfect for a healthy and nourishing meal.

History

Dong Gua Tang has been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the southern regions of China, where white gourd is a common ingredient in many dishes. The addition of dried scallops adds a rich umami flavor to the soup.

Ingredients

600 g white gourd
5 pieces dried scallops
2 tbsp shredded ginger
500 ml chicken stock
1000 ml water
1 tbsp salt
some sesame oil
some Chinese parsley

How to prepare

Peel and remove the seeds from the white gourd, then cut it into small cubes.
Clean the dry scallop and soak it for 30 minutes until it becomes soft.
Lightly hit the soaked scallop with a small hammer, then shred it.
Heat a pot with water and add the white gourd cubes when the water is boiled.
Add the shredded scallop and stock, and cook for 30 minutes over medium heat.
Add salt, sprinkle Chinese parsley and sesame oil, then serve.

Variations

Add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for a richer soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the dried scallops in water before using them in the soup to rehydrate them and bring out their flavor.

- Cutting the white gourd into small cubes ensures that it cooks evenly and quickly.

- Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dong Gua Tang as a light appetizer or as part of a Chinese meal with rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling, simmering

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh scallops instead of dried scallops if they are not available.

- Substitute zucchini or cucumber for white gourd if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with additional Chinese parsley or a drizzle of sesame oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Dong Gua Tang with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried greens for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Each serving of Dong Gua Tang contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

- White gourd is a low-carb vegetable, making this soup a good option for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

Fats

- The dried scallops add a small amount of healthy fats to the soup.

Proteins

- Dried scallops are a good source of protein, making this soup a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Vitamins and minerals

White gourd is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (dried scallops), so it may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Dong Gua Tang is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich soup that is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Summary

Dong Gua Tang is a simple and delicious Chinese soup that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With the sweetness of white gourd and the umami flavor of dried scallops, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a cold winter day and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a simple yet intriguing recipe caught my eye - Dong Gua Tang.

I had never heard of Dong Gua Tang before, but the ingredients seemed familiar to me. Winter melon, ginger, and pork ribs - all staples in Chinese cooking. The recipe claimed that this soup was not only delicious, but also had many health benefits. It was said to nourish the body and warm the soul, perfect for the cold winter months.

I decided then and there that I had to give it a try. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the winter melon and sliced the ginger, the familiar scents filled the air and brought back memories of my own childhood.

I remembered watching my grandmother cook in the kitchen, her hands moving effortlessly as she prepared dish after dish. She always said that the key to good cooking was love and patience, and I could feel her presence with me as I stirred the pot and let the soup simmer.

After a few hours, the Dong Gua Tang was ready. I ladled out a steaming bowl for myself and took a sip. The flavors were rich and comforting, the pork ribs tender and the winter melon soft and sweet. It was like a warm hug in a bowl, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Dong Gua Tang countless times. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this delicious soup. Each time I make it, I think of my grandmother and the love and care she poured into her cooking.

I have since learned that Dong Gua Tang is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, often served during the winter months to help ward off the cold and keep the body healthy. It is a simple yet flavorful soup that is loved by many, and I am grateful to have stumbled upon it in that old cookbook all those years ago.

As I sit here now, enjoying a bowl of Dong Gua Tang on another cold winter day, I am thankful for the recipes and traditions that have been passed down to me. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I will continue to experiment and learn new recipes, just like my grandmother did before me.

So here's to Dong Gua Tang - a delicious and nourishing soup that has brought warmth and joy to my kitchen and my heart. May it continue to be a comfort and a tradition for generations to come.