Winter Melon Soup With Barley: Best Chinese Soup For Summer

barley

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: rice

Quinoa offers a similar texture with more protein, while rice is a budget-friendly staple.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasonings

Vegetable broth reduces meat content while maintaining flavor, and water is cost-effective.

shiitake mushrooms

🥗Healthier: cremini mushrooms

💰Cheaper: button mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms provide a similar umami flavor, while button mushrooms are more affordable.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is a healthier fat option, while canola oil is budget-friendly.

Prepare 6 slices of ginger and save for later.

Wash 250g fresh winter melon and cut it into small pieces, saving for later.

Fry 50g barley in a pan over medium heat until golden yellow, then wash and save for later.

Wash 300g fresh pork ribs, and if needed, ask the salesperson to chop them.

Blanch pork ribs by adding 3 slices of ginger and enough water to immerse them, boiling for 3 minutes, then wash and drain.

Add 3 slices of ginger, pork ribs, and barley into a pot.

Add about 1500ml water to immerse them and heat on high until boiling.

Once boiling, reduce to low heat and cook for 40 minutes.

After 40 minutes, add winter melon and cook for an additional 20 minutes.

Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and mix evenly.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary