Winter Melon Soup

Winter Melon Soup Recipe from China | Ingredients and Steps

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Winter melon soup is a traditional Chinese dish that is both delicious and nutritious. This light and refreshing soup is perfect for cold winter days or as a light meal any time of the year. The subtle flavor of the winter melon pairs perfectly with the savory chicken broth and earthy mushrooms.

History

Winter melon soup has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. The winter melon, also known as white gourd or ash gourd, is a versatile vegetable that is commonly used in soups, stews, and stir-fries. It is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for its culinary and medicinal properties.

Ingredients

1 cup winter melon (0.5 lb (227 g))
water to boil winter melon
2 cups chicken broth
4 Chinese dried black mushrooms
2 - 3 slices of ginger
0.25 cup diced cooked ham
salt and pepper to taste
1 green onion, green part only, washed and cut on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces

How to prepare

Wash the winter melon and remove the green skin, seeds, and pulp. Cut it into 2-inch pieces. Place the winter melon in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until the winter melon is tender.
Add the chicken broth, mushrooms, ginger, and cooked ham. Season with desired seasonings. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Garnish with green onion. Serve hot.

Variations

Purchase a whole winter melon (about 8 - 10 lb or 4.54 kg), cut off the top, remove the seeds and pulp, place the other ingredients inside, and steam for 1 – 2 hours. This will result in a more elegant dish.
Add barbecued pork and/or shrimp.
Experiment with adding other vegetables, such as bamboo shoots, carrots, or silk squash.
Add tofu or shrimp for added protein.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.
Add chili peppers or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the green skin, seeds, and pulp from the winter melon before cooking.

- Simmer the winter melon until it is tender but not mushy.

- Garnish the soup with fresh green onions for added flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions

Winter melon soup can be served as a starter or as a light meal on its own. Pair it with steamed rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use zucchini or cucumber as a substitute for winter melon.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

Winter melon soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve winter melon soup in individual bowls garnished with fresh green onions for a beautiful presentation. Pair with steamed rice or a side of dumplings for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Winter melon soup pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a side of crispy spring rolls. Serve with hot tea or a light beer for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of winter melon soup contains approximately 100 calories, making it a light and satisfying option for a meal or snack.

Carbohydrates

Winter melon soup is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those watching their carb intake. One serving of this soup contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Winter melon soup is low in fat, with only about 2 grams of fat per serving. This makes it a healthy and light option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Proteins

This soup contains a moderate amount of protein, with approximately 8 grams per serving. The protein comes from the chicken broth and ham used in the recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

Winter melon is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients help support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken broth and ham, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Winter melon soup is a nutritious and low-calorie dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking to enjoy a light and healthy meal.

Summary

Winter melon soup is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for cold winter days or as a light meal any time of the year. This traditional Chinese soup is easy to make and full of flavor, making it a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

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 my mother had passed down to me. As I turned the yellowed pages, a picture of a steaming bowl of Winter Melon Soup caught my eye. The ingredients were simple - winter melon, chicken broth, and a few seasonings - but the description promised a warm and comforting meal that would chase away the chill of winter.

I had never heard of winter melon before, but I was intrigued by the idea of a soup made from a vegetable that was in season during the cold months. I made a mental note to keep an eye out for it the next time I went to the market.

A few days later, I found a beautiful winter melon at the local farmer's market. It was pale green with a waxy skin and was quite hefty in size. I brought it home and set to work preparing it for the soup. I peeled away the tough skin and scooped out the seeds, revealing the tender flesh inside.

I chopped the melon into bite-sized pieces and added it to a pot of homemade chicken broth that had been simmering on the stove. The aroma of the broth mingled with the subtle sweetness of the melon, creating a rich and inviting scent that filled the kitchen.

I added a few seasonings - a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, and a sprinkle of dried herbs - and let the soup simmer on the stove for a couple of hours. As it cooked, the flavors melded together, creating a delicious and comforting bowl of soup that was perfect for a cold winter night.

When it was finally ready, I ladled the soup into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. I took a tentative sip and was immediately transported back to my childhood, when my mother would make a similar soup on cold winter days.

The taste was familiar yet new, a blend of flavors that I had never experienced before. The winter melon was tender and slightly sweet, while the chicken broth added a rich and savory depth to the soup. It was the perfect combination of flavors and textures, warming me from the inside out.

I knew right then that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would make again and again during the long winter months. I made a mental note to write down the recipe so that I could pass it on to future generations, just as my mother had passed it on to me.

As I sat down to enjoy my bowl of Winter Melon Soup, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the rich culinary heritage that had been passed down to me. Each recipe that I learned and mastered was a link to the past, a connection to the generations of women who had come before me. And as I savored each spoonful of soup, I felt a sense of pride and contentment knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that would continue long after I was gone.