winter melon meatball soup

How to Make Winter Melon and Meatball Soup: A Complete Guide

Winter melon and meatball soup is a light yet nourishing dish, perfect for all seasons. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to making it at home.

Ingredients:

- 500g winter melon, peeled and cubed

- 300g ground pork (mix with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 minced garlic, and 1 cornstarch for binding)

- 1 liter chicken or vegetable broth

- 2 slices ginger, 1 scallion (for broth)

- Salt, white pepper to taste

- Optional: dried mushrooms (soaked and sliced) for extra umami.

Steps:

1. Prepare the broth: Bring broth, ginger, and scallion to a boil in a pot. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove ginger and scallion.

2. Form meatballs: Wet hands, scoop the pork mixture, and roll into 1.5-inch balls. Drop gently into the simmering broth.

3. Cook meatballs: Let meatballs cook for 5–7 minutes until no longer pink. Skim off any foam.

4. Add winter melon: Toss in winter melon cubes. Cook for 8–10 minutes until melon turns translucent but holds shape.

5. Season: Add salt, white pepper, and optional mushrooms. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.

This soup is refreshing, hydrating, and pairs well with rice. Enjoy its delicate flavors and health benefits!