Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Chinese winter melon soup is a well-loved dish that is frequently prepared in Chinese homes and served at Chinese celebrations or banquets. Winter melon itself has a gentle, refreshing sweetness and turns soft when it is cooked. Even though it doesn’t have a very strong flavor of its own, it is great at soaking up and blending with the tastes of the other ingredients it is cooked with. In Chinese tradition, winter melon is thought of as a Yin food, which means it has cooling properties that can help balance the body and fight the heat and humidity of summer.
There are many ways to make winter melon soup, and this particular recipe includes shiitake mushrooms and ham. If you cannot find Chinese ham, which is traditionally used, you can easily substitute it with another type of cured ham that is available to you.
Tips for Making Winter Melon Soup
- If you don’t have winter melon, don’t worry! You can use a peeled and seeded cucumber as a substitute. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still work well in the soup.
- If you love the taste of mushrooms and want a stronger mushroom flavor in your soup, here’s a tip: after soaking the shiitake mushrooms, don’t squeeze out the extra liquid. This liquid is packed with flavor and will make your soup even more delicious.
- To save time when preparing the soup, you can cut the winter melon ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready to use it. If you want to save even more time, you can cook the melon in water in advance. After cooking, let it cool, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to continue with the recipe. These steps can help make the cooking process quicker and easier when you’re ready to prepare the soup.
Ingredients
Steps to Make It
01
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start.
02
Take half a pound of winter melon. Peel off the green skin, remove the seeds and pulp, and cut it into 2-inch pieces.
03
Add the winter melon to a big pot filled with water. Heat it on high until it starts boiling. Then, turn down the heat and let it cook gently for around 20 minutes until the melon is soft.
04
While that’s cooking, take 4 dried shiitake mushrooms and put them in a small bowl. Soak them in cold water for about 20 minutes to soften them up.
05
Gently press the mushrooms to remove any extra water.
06
Put in the mushrooms, 2 cups of chicken broth, 2 to 3 slices of ginger, and 1/4 cup of chopped cooked ham. Season with salt and pepper as you like.
07
Cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, letting the broth soak up the flavors of the ginger and ham. Serve the soup in 4 bowls, top with thinly sliced green onion (just the green part), and enjoy right away.
Storing Winter Melon Soup
- Keep leftover soup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the soup for up to 1 month.
Want to Get Creative? Try This:
- Customize the soup – You can easily mix things up without changing the recipe’s core idea. Swap the ham for barbecued pork or shrimp, or add them along with the ham. Toss in other veggies like bamboo shoots, carrots, or silk squash. You can also add rice or top it with crispy lotus chips for extra flair.
- Make it special – For a more impressive dish, use a whole 8 to 10-pound winter melon. Cut off the top, scoop out the seeds and pulp, and fill it with the other ingredients. Steam it for 1 to 2 hours for a show-stopping presentation.
FAQs:
1. What does winter melon taste like?
Winter melon has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a refreshing, watery texture. When cooked in soups, it soaks up the flavors of the broth, making it a perfect base for savory dishes. Think of it as a blank canvas for delicious ingredients like ginger, ham, and mushrooms!
2. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of dried shiitake mushrooms?
Absolutely! Fresh shiitake mushrooms work well too. However, dried shiitake mushrooms have a deeper, more concentrated flavor that adds richness to the soup. If using fresh, skip the soaking step and add them directly to the pot.
3. Is chinese winter melon soup recipe healthy?
Yes! Winter melon is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s also hydrating and known in traditional Chinese medicine for its cooling properties. Combined with nutrient-rich ingredients like ginger and mushrooms, this soup is both delicious and nourishing.
4. Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the ham. You can add tofu, extra veggies, or even plant-based protein like seitan to keep it hearty and flavorful.
5. How do I know when the chinese winter melon is cooked?
The winter melon is ready when it turns translucent and becomes tender but not mushy. It should easily break apart with a spoon but still hold its shape.
6. Can I freeze winter melon soup?
Yes, you can! Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Just thaw and reheat gently on the stove. Note: The texture of the winter melon may soften a bit after freezing, but the flavor will still be great.
7. What can I serve with winter melon soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a side of dumplings. It’s light yet satisfying, making it a great starter or main dish.
8. Can I use a whole winter melon for a fancy presentation?
Yes, and it’s a showstopper! Use an 8 to 10-pound winter melon, hollow it out, and fill it with the soup ingredients. Steam it for 1 to 2 hours, and serve the soup directly from the melon for a stunning centerpiece.
9. What other ingredients can I add to customize the soup?
Feel free to get creative! Add barbecued pork, shrimp, bamboo shoots, carrots, or even crispy lotus chips for extra texture and flavor. The recipe is super flexible, so make it your own!
10. Why is chinese winter melon soup recipe popular in Chinese cuisine?
Winter melon soup is a classic in Chinese cooking because it’s light, refreshing, and versatile. It’s often enjoyed during hot weather for its cooling properties or as a comforting dish during colder months. Plus, it’s easy to make and adapt to different tastes!
