Pork Ribs Soup with Winter Melon
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 600 grams pork ribs (600克猪排骨)
- 400 grams winter melon (400克冬瓜)
- 3 red dates, pitted (3颗去核红枣)
- 30 grams goji berries (30克枸杞)
- 1500 ml water (1500毫升水)
- Salt to taste (盐适量)
Instructions
Step 1 — Rinse and Blanch the Pork Ribs
- Rinse the pork ribs under running water until the water runs clear. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Drain and rinse again under running water to remove the grey foam.
- Tip: Blanching the pork ribs first is what keeps the soup clear instead of cloudy.
Step 2 — Prepare the Winter Melon
- Peel the skin off the winter melon. Cut it in half and scoop out the seeds and soft pith in the centre. Cut the flesh into large chunks, about 1.5 to 2 inches each.
Step 3 — Rinse the Goji Berries and Red Dates
- Rinse the goji berries and red dates under water, and remove the pit from the red dates.
Step 4 — Combine and Simmer
- Add the blanched pork ribs, winter melon, goji berries and red dates into a pot. Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Tip: If you prefer the pork ribs more tender, simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours instead.
Step 5 — Season and Serve
- Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
Video
Notes
- Don't skip the blanching step. It removes blood and impurities from the pork ribs and keeps the broth clear instead of cloudy.
- Simmer longer for more tender ribs. 45 minutes gives tender meat that still holds onto the bone. For ribs that fall off the bone, simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Cut the winter melon into large chunks. It softens quickly and can turn mushy if the pieces are cut too small.
- Add ginger if you find winter melon too cooling. Winter melon is considered cooling in Chinese food therapy. Add 2 to 3 slices of ginger to the soup to help balance that out.