It seems to be that the Summer is over right after last weekend. Have no complaints because it's been so very hot since June... honestly I am enjoying the "new coolness". Signs of Fall are everywhere...I have actually seen some turning leaves on the very top of trees from my windows. We are having cooler and rainy days here in T.O.
This sudden change got me under the weather and had to take action very quickly! Hopefully you are feeling better than me...I made Chinese comfort soup. Today I am sharing {after many requests from friends} the "Restaurant style Chinese soup' and...totally demystified.
Many of you have enjoyed it for free at Chinese restaurants right before your main course. Haven't you? This soup is not in the menu. It is known as Chinese Winter Melon Soup, Dong Gua Tang in Chinese.
Take a close look at a red date on the image above. The texture is very similar to a Chinese water chestnut.
It is actually my most favorite Chinese soup and believe it or not it's so easy to make at home! And yes...you guessed...it doesn't last too long! We love it!
Of course the secret is having the right ingredients.
Did you know that you can actually buy a Winter Melon Soup pack ready to make that includes the meat/bones and veggies {already chopped} at Asian supermarkets for only $5.00? That's right! Usually a pack serves about four people. Isn't that economical?
Of course the secret is having the right ingredients.
Did you know that you can actually buy a Winter Melon Soup pack ready to make that includes the meat/bones and veggies {already chopped} at Asian supermarkets for only $5.00? That's right! Usually a pack serves about four people. Isn't that economical?
If you choose to buy a Winter Melon Soup pack keep in mind that you will need to add a few more things to achieve the signature flavor. Are you ready to make your own? Let's get to the recipe and preparation!
INGREDIENTS:
Winter Melon Soup pack brings pork rib bones, cut carrot, cut winter melon and red dates.
NOTE: Remember that it only serves about four people. You can buy all these ingredients individually as well.
Ginger cut in small pieces
Dried red dates
Chicken bouillon cube
Cilantro
Star Anise {two or three stars}
Star Anise {two or three stars}
Salt to taste {optional}
NOTE: I do not use salt in my soup. I use a chicken bouillon cube instead.
PREPARATION:
Wash well pork rib bones under water.
Boil them in hot water for about five minutes. Make sure the water covers them well.
Remove and rinse under water.
Empty and rinse your pot. Add cold water.
Add the pork bones to the pot along with carrots, chicken bouillon cube, red dates and ginger.
Boil all these ingredients for an hour.
Then add the winter melon and boil another hour.
You will end up with a nice and clear broth. Add chopped cilantro right before serving.
You will end up with a nice and clear broth. Add chopped cilantro right before serving.
Enjoy your Chinese Winter Melon soup!
Curious about some of the ingredients? Read about Winter Melon and Red Dates.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Product designer and instructor Gabriela Delworth designs and develops high-end products for leading arts and crafts manufacturers and publications {books, magazines in print and online}.
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4 comments:
This looks amazing..thank you for sharing. Have a great week.
I have been feeling under the weather- due to the weather change too! The soup looks yummy and that date looks like a nut. Hope you feel better soon!
Sandy xox
Truth be told, I am not much of a fan of oriental foods. However, you have written about your soup in such an enticing way and illustrated with such beautiful images that i can not help myself - I MUST try it!
I have sent a link to Diane with the suggestion we make this for dinner on our next crafty day together!
Looking forward to soup weather!
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