| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 1 hour 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 172 | 6g | 2g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2g | 20g | 0.67g |
Chinese Style Luffa and Pork Soup instantly became one of my favorite dishes upon the first sip. It might seem like a departure from my traditional lineup of Italian-American comfort food, but hear me out. The robust and refreshing flavors in this soup resonated with my appreciation of wholesome and hearty family meals, bringing back all the feelings of warmth and kinship that I love. Upon discovering this recipe, I found that not only did it have roots in Chinese medicine, but it’s also incredibly delicious. This is the kind of cooking that transcends borders and brings us all together at the dinner table. 
A Nutritional Powerhouse
The Chinese Style Luffa and Pork Soup is not just a treat for your taste buds, it’s a delight for your body, too. By combining lean pork with Chinese luffa gourds, the soup is brimming with essential nutrients and vitamins. The luffa gourd, also known as sponge gourd or silk gourd, is rich in dietary fiber, making it beneficial for digestive health. This often overlooked vegetable also has a significant amount of Vitamin C, supporting your immune system – a perfect bowl of soup during the cold winter months. Add in the protein from the lean pork and it becomes a balanced meal that is as nourishing as it is comforting.
Versatility on the Table
And while the mention of Chinese luffa might make you think this is an exotic dish, it’s a comforting staple in many Chinese households, much like a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs in an Italian home. This versatile soup pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside a platter of dumplings, or a steaming bowl of jasmine rice to make the meal more complete. However you serve it, the Chinese Style Luffa and Pork Soup is sure to be the star of any dinner table.
In between hiking trips and granddad duties, cooking has always been my haven. When I discovered this recipe, I felt excited about creating food that could transport me to another part of the world from my own kitchen — a testament to the amazing power of food. This Chinese Style Luffa and Pork Soup recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary adventure, a new tradition, and a heartwarming meal rolled into one. I invite you to join me in this journey, one bowl at a time.
Discover more about luffa gourd and its many applications in Chinese cuisine from this informative resource.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of lean pork
- 2 Chinese luffa gourds
- 6 cups of chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
- 2 stalks of green onions, chopped
- 1 handful of cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by washing the pork thoroughly, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Set the meat aside for later use. Meanwhile, clean and peel the luffa gourds. Slice them into half-inch wide pieces.
Step Two
Heat up the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger slices to the pot, sautéing them until they become fragrant, which should take around 2 minutes. Next, add the cut pork into the pot, browning it on all sides.
Step Three
After the pork has browned, add the 6 cups of chicken stock into the pot. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a low setting, allowing the soup to simmer.
Step Four
Add the sliced luffa gourds to the pot. Season the mixture with the sea salt and white pepper. Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the pork is thoroughly cooked and the luffa is tender. If needed, adjust seasoning to taste.
Step Five
Once cooked, sprinkle the soup with the chopped green onions before turning off the heat. Ladle the soup into individual bowls, garnishing each with a generous handful of cilantro leaves, if desired. Serve your Chinese Style Luffa and Pork Soup while it’s hot, and enjoy this savory and comforting dish.
