winter melon meatball soup

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

Winter melon and meatball soup is a comforting, nutritious dish loved for its light, umami-rich flavor and tender ingredients. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to guide you.

### Ingredients

- Winter melon: 500g (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes)

- Ground meat: 300g (pork or chicken, mixed with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 cornstarch for binding)

- Broth: 4 cups (chicken or vegetable broth)

- Aromatics: 2 sliced ginger, 2 chopped scallions

- Seasonings: Salt, white pepper to taste

- Garnish: Fresh cilantro or chopped scallions

### Steps

1. Prepare the meatballs: Mix ground meat with seasonings until sticky. Shape into 1-inch balls using wet hands to prevent sticking.

2. Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pot over medium heat. Add ginger and scallions, stir-fry until fragrant (30 seconds).

3. Cook winter melon: Add winter melon cubes, stir for 2 minutes, then pour in broth. Bring to a boil.

4. Simmer meatballs: Gently drop meatballs into the boiling broth. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and winter melon is tender.

5. Season and serve: Adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot for a soothing meal.

This soup is hydrating, low-calorie, and perfect for year-round enjoyment. Customize with add-ins like shrimp or tofu for extra flavor!