| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 90 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 275 | 15g | 4.5g | 7g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 1g | 30g | 0.56g |
Every cuisine is a reflection of different cultures, stories and memories shaped through food. My own culinary journey has led me to various places, each with its own delightful flavors and wonderful traditions. Among the thousands of recipes I adore, this Winter Melon and Chicken Soup has a special place in my heart.
When I decided to take a detour on my culinary journey and venture into healthier food territory, I found joy in discovering the countless health benefits that come with preparing and consuming meals filled with fresh ingredients. One great example is this Winter Melon and Chicken Soup recipe. Much like other soup bases, the mixture of earthy flavors and hearty ingredients brings both comfort and nourishment to the table.
Discovering Winter Melon
The winter melon, despite its name, is a warm-weather vegetable common in Asian cuisines. Using it in our soup releases its beautiful, mild flavor which complements the chicken. More than just delightful to taste, its health benefits are impressive. It helps in weight loss, improves eyesight & heart health, and is known to strengthen the immune system.
Complementing the Winter Melon: Chicken and Other Ingredients
The chicken in this Winter Melon and Chicken Soup adds a base flavor to the soup, while enhancing its nutritional profile with its protein content. The onion, garlic, and ginger infuse the soup with beautiful flavors, while the soy sauce ties everything together, creating an appetizing dish.
This soup is reminiscent of other popular broth-based dishes in Japanese cooking, like Miso Soup. And just as Miso soup is traditionally served with a plate of fresh sushi, this Winter Melon and Chicken Soup would pair wonderfully with a side of sushi or Seared Ahi Tuna.
Cooking, like life, is all about balance and harmony. And this Winter Melon and Chicken Soup exemplifies just that – a harmonious blend of flavors, a balance of nutrients, and a chord struck with one’s wellbeing. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 1 medium-sized Winter Melon (roughly 3 pounds)
- 1 whole Chicken (about 4 pounds)
- 8 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 3 slices of ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of white pepper
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
Method
Step One
To begin, clean the chicken and pat it dry thoroughly. Then take your oil and heat it in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the ginger, garlic, and chopped onion to the pot. Stir well and sauté the mixture until onions have turned tender and translucent.
Step Two
After preparing your aromatics, add the whole chicken to the stock pot. Cook the chicken on all sides until it develops a golden brown crust. Then, add 8 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
Step Three
While your chicken is simmering, peel the winter melon and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Make sure to remove the seeds and any soft, pulpy parts of the melon. When your melon is prepared, add the cubes to the simmering chicken soup.
Step Four
Add your salt, white pepper, and soy sauce to the pot. Stir well to make sure the seasonings are well-incorporated into the soup. Allow the soup to simmer for about an hour, or until the chicken is falling off the bone and the winter melon is tender.
Step Five
Once your soup is ready, remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat. Discard any bones and skin, then return the shredded meat to the soup. Stir well to mix in the chicken.
Step Six
Finally, garnish your Winter Melon and Chicken Soup with the chopped fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve this warm, comforting soup right away to warm up on a cold winter day.
