| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 261 | 13g | 4g | 11g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 3g | 25g | 0.9g |
Growing up in the heart of Tex-Mex country, I’ve always been a fan of vivid, complex flavors and dishes that tell a story. When I first came across the Chinese Mallow and Pork Soup, I knew instantly that I’ve stumbled upon something special.
A Blend of Cultures
This Chinese Mallow and Pork Soup is more than just a dish – it’s a blend of Texan and Asian elements and speaks volumes about the versatility and universality of food. The marriage of Asian Chinese mallow leaves and the Western lean pork ribs showcase a harmony of ingredients, which gives this recipe its unique vibe.
Further adorned with the crunchiness of carrots, the warmth of the onion, the kick from the garlic, and the heat of the ginger, this soup can be best described as a culinary symphony that sings to the tongue.
Health Beneficial Bonanza
Not just pleasing to the palette, this soup is brimming with health benefits. Chinese mallow, or Malva verticillata, is well known for its medicinal properties. From boosting the immune system to promoting heart health and aiding digestion, this is quite the superfood.
Carrots come packed with beta carotene, aiding eye-health while garlic and ginger are well known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The lean pork ribs bring in their fair share of protein to this well-rounded meal.
The Perfect Companion
The Chinese Mallow and Pork Soup with its hearty warmth and comforting flavors makes a good standalone meal. However, if you’re looking to pair it with something, it goes perfectly with a side of steamed white rice or vegetable stir-fry. It aptly complements the zestful flavors of a Tex-Mex menu as well, making for a well-balanced meal.
If you’ve enjoyed a bowl of Pho before, or maybe a hearty Minestrone, then I have no doubt that Chinese Mallow and Pork Soup will find a place in your heart.
To me, what makes this recipe truly special is not just the symphony of flavors or the array of health benefits, but the fact that it is a dish that embodies my journey – one that encapsulates my love for food from two divergent worlds.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs of lean pork ribs
- 2 cups of Chinese mallow leaves
- 2 Liters of water
- 2 medium-sized carrots, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Heat the cooking oil in a large pot. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced ginger. Sauté them until they become fragrant.
Step Two
Add the chopped onion to the pot and continue to sauté until the onion is translucent.
Step Three
Add the lean pork ribs to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides. This will take about several minutes, make sure to turn the ribs occasionally to avoid burning them.
Step Four
After the ribs are browned, add the sliced carrots to the pot and stir to mix all the ingredients.
Step Five
Pour the 2 liters of water into the pot. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat and let the soup simmer.
Step Six
Add the Chinese mallow leaves into the soup and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes until the mallow leaves are tender.
Step Seven
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning according to your personal preference.
Step Eight
Before serving, garnish the soup with chopped green onions for additional flavor if you want. Enjoy your Chinese Mallow and Pork Soup while it’s hot.
