Chinese Melon Soup Dong Gwah Jong
Warm your soul with the comforting flavors of Chinese Melon Soup, or Dong Gwah Jong, a traditional Cantonese dish known for its light and nourishing qualities. This delicate soup combines tender chunks of winter melon with savory pork ribs, earthy dried shiitake mushrooms, and the subtle heat of ginger, all simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth enhanced by the optional addition of dried shrimp. Blanching the pork ensures a beautifully clear soup, while the slow cooking process allows the winter melon to turn irresistibly tender and translucent. Perfect as a starter or a wholesome main course, this heartwarming soup is finished with a sprinkle of fresh green onions for an extra burst of freshness. Quick to prepare but deeply satisfying, this authentic recipe is a must-try for fans of traditional Chinese cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Winter melon
- 1 pound Pork ribs (or pork loin, cut into chunks)
- 6 pieces Dried shiitake mushrooms
- 1 inch piece Ginger (sliced)
- 8 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Dried shrimp (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons White pepper
- 2 stalks Green onions (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes until softened. Once softened, slice the mushrooms and set aside. Reserve the soaking liquid by straining it through a fine sieve to remove any grit.
Peel the winter melon and remove the seeds. Cut the melon into 1-inch cubes.
Blanch the pork ribs by placing them in a pot of boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Remove, rinse under cold water, and set aside. This helps remove impurities and ensures a clear soup.
In a large soup pot, combine the water, reserved mushroom soaking liquid, ginger slices, and blanched pork ribs. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 40 minutes.
Add the winter melon cubes, shiitake mushrooms, and dried shrimp (if using) to the pot. Continue simmering for another 30 minutes, or until the winter melon turns translucent and tender.
Season the soup with salt and white pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
468 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.0 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.8 g | 59% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 122 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 1158 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.1 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.4 g | ||
| Protein | 27.9 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.1 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 123 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 548 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
