bacon and winter melon soup

How to Make Savory Pork and Winter Melon Soup

Savory pork and winter melon soup is a comforting, light dish perfect for any season. Here’s a simple guide to making it.

Ingredients: 200g cured pork belly (rinsed and sliced), 500g winter melon (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes), 3 slices of ginger, 2 cloves of garlic (smashed), 5 cups water, salt to taste, and a pinch of white pepper. Optional: a handful of dried shrimp for extra umami.

Steps:

1. Prep the pork: Briefly boil the cured pork slices in boiling water for 1 minute to remove excess salt, then drain.

2. Sauté aromatics: Heat a pot over medium flame. Add ginger and garlic, stir-fry until fragrant.

3. Cook the soup: Pour in water, add the blanched pork and dried shrimp (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Add winter melon: Toss in winter melon cubes. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes until the melon turns translucent and tender.

5. Season: Adjust salt and white pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

This soup balances the saltiness of the cured pork with the melon’s natural sweetness, creating a nourishing and flavorful meal. Enjoy!