Clear Winter Melon Soup with Minced Pork: Easy Recipe

Embrace the refreshing simplicity of this Clear Winter Melon Pork Soup, a culinary gem perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. Winter melon, with its subtly sweet and hydrating nature, forms the heart of this dish, its delicate flavour beautifully complemented by tender minced pork. This comforting soup is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend brunch. Its light broth and subtle seasoning allow the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine, offering a healthy and flavorful experience.

This recipe showcases the art of achieving maximum taste with minimal fuss. The clear broth is achieved through careful simmering and a touch of culinary finesse, resulting in a soup that's both elegant and deeply satisfying. Ready to dive into the delicious details? Let's move on to the step-by-step instructions to create this delightful Clear Winter Melon Pork Soup.

Tools Needed

  • Mortar and pestle
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Pot
  • Spoon

Ingredients

  • Minced pork
  • Peppercorns
  • Ground pepper
  • Coriander root
  • Garlic
  • Oyster sauce: a little
  • Sugar: a little
  • Tapioca flour: a little
  • Winter melon (or pumpkin)
  • Carrots
  • Dried shiitake mushrooms
  • Coriander leaves
  • Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients

  • Prepare the minced pork. Marinate it with peppercorns (or ground pepper), coriander root, and garlic. Pound the seasonings until fine.
  • Season the marinated pork with oyster sauce, a little sugar, and a pinch of tapioca flour. Knead and mix well until the pork becomes sticky.
  • Peel and cut it into pieces. You can use green squash or old squash; the cooking time will vary.
  • Peel and cut them into pieces.
Prepare the minced pork. Marinate it with peppercorns (or ground pepper), coriander root, and garlic. Pound the seasonings until fine.Season the marinated pork with oyster sauce, a little sugar, and a pinch of tapioca flour. Knead and mix well until the pork becomes sticky.Prepare the winter melon (or pumpkin): Peel and cut it into pieces. You can use green squash or old squash; the cooking time will vary.Prepare the carrots: Peel and cut them into pieces.
Prepare the Ingredients
  • Soak them in water until soft, then rinse and cut them. Remove the stems.
  • Wash the roots well, crush slightly, and set aside the leaves for garnish.
  • Crush slightly.
Prepare the shiitake mushrooms: Soak them in water until soft, then rinse and cut them. Remove the stems.Prepare the coriander: Wash the roots well, crush slightly, and set aside the leaves for garnish.Prepare the garlic and pepper: Crush slightly.
Prepare the Ingredients

Step 2. Cook the Soup

  • In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add peppercorns, crushed coriander root, and garlic for fragrance.
  • Add the marinated minced pork, forming small meatballs or simply adding in small pieces.
  • Add the winter melon (or pumpkin) and shiitake mushrooms. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium.
  • Add carrots. Simmer until the winter melon (or pumpkin) and carrots are tender (approximately 30 minutes or more for pumpkin, 20-30 minutes for green squash).
In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add peppercorns, crushed coriander root, and garlic for fragrance. Add the marinated minced pork, forming small meatballs or simply adding in small pieces. Add the winter melon (or pumpkin) and shiitake mushrooms. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium.Add carrots. Simmer until the winter melon (or pumpkin) and carrots are tender (approximately 30 minutes or more for pumpkin, 20-30 minutes for green squash).
Cook the Soup
  • Season with salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Season with salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Cook the Soup

Step 3. Garnish and Serve

  • Garnish with coriander leaves.
  • Serve hot.
Garnish with coriander leaves.Serve hot.
Garnish and Serve

Read more: Creamy Thai Coconut Turkey Meatballs: Easy Recipe

Tips

  • For a richer broth, use pork or chicken stock instead of plain water.
  • Adjust the cooking time depending on the type of squash used. Old pumpkin takes longer to cook than green squash.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 200-250
  • Fat: 8-12g
  • Carbs: 20-25g
  • Protein: 10-15g

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat instead of minced pork?

Yes! Ground chicken or turkey are excellent substitutes. Adjust seasoning to your preference.

2. What if I don't have winter melon? Can I use something else?

While winter melon is ideal for its unique flavor and texture, you could try substituting with butternut squash or even a mild pumpkin. The soup will have a slightly different taste.


This Clear Winter Melon Pork Soup is a testament to the beauty of simple cooking. Enjoy its refreshing lightness and subtle flavors, perfect for any occasion. We hope you savor every spoonful of this easy-to-make and incredibly satisfying soup!