600gwinter melon , remove the skin and cut into cubes
500gpork bones, large bones or ribs
Green onion , chopped for garnishing
1thumb ginger , smashed and slices
pinchof salt as needed
Sichuan peppercorn seeds, optional
Instructions
Place ribs in clean water, bring to boil and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes. Transfer out and rinse under running water.
Cut the rind of winter melon and then cut it into large chunks. I recommend keeping some of the green skin in order to keep the shape after cooking. By the way, this can also enhance the flavor and increase the fiber content.
Heat a large pot of water to boiling and then add ginger and Sichuan peppercorn (optional). Add the ribs after the water boils. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
Place the winter melon chunks and continue cooking for 20 minutes.
Add salt to taste before serving. Serve along with green onion.
Instant pot tip
If you want to use a instant pot, add warm or hot water to the pot, and add ginger and Sichuan peppercorn. Press the soup and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Release the gas and then take the pork soup base out. Add winter melon chunks in and continue heating for 20 minutes without the lid. This is extremely important to enhance and richer the flavor.
Notes
Adding chopped green onion and coriander directly to the large pot of soup is not recommended, as they are easy to overcook and spoil the freshness. Winter melon needs to be matched with meat, bones or ham. There are several options: Winter melon soup with fresh meatballs Winter melon soup with ham, black mushrooms and dried shrimp