pork ribs and winter gourd soup

Pork Rib and Winter Melon Soup: A Simple & Nourishing Recipe

Pork rib and winter melon soup is a beloved, light yet comforting dish, perfect for year-round enjoyment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making it effortlessly.

Ingredients: 500g pork ribs (cut into pieces), 500g winter melon (peeled and cubed), 3-4 slices of ginger, 2 green onions (tied), 1 tbsp cooking wine, salt to taste, and optional dried scallops for extra umami.

Steps:

1. Prep the ribs: Blanch ribs in boiling water with 1 tbsp cooking wine for 3 minutes to remove impurities. Rinse and drain.

2. Cook the broth: In a pot, add ribs, ginger, green onions, and 1.5L water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 40 minutes until ribs are tender.

3. Add winter melon: Toss in winter melon cubes (they cook quickly). Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the melon turns translucent and soft.

4. Season: Remove ginger and green onions. Add salt (and soaked dried scallops, if using) to taste. Stir gently and simmer for 2 more minutes.

Tips: For a richer flavor, blanch ribs with ginger first. Choose ripe winter melon for a sweeter taste. Serve hot as a starter or main dish. This soup is hydrating, low-calorie, and packed with nutrients—ideal for a healthy meal!