Thai Wintermelon Soup

This classic Thai wintermelon soup is a comforting bowl of warmth that balances savory, herbal, and slightly sweet flavors. The clear broth, made by simmering chicken and pork bones with celery, provides a deep umami base without being heavy. Tender chunks of wintermelon absorb the broth's essence, becoming soft and flavorful. Homemade meatballs made from ground chicken and pork, bound with a fragrant paste of garlic, cilantro, and white pepper, add texture and richness. Fresh shrimp and straw mushrooms contribute additional layers of seafood and earthiness. Finished with a sprinkle of green onions and cilantro, this dish is perfect for cold evenings or as a restorative meal. It's a harmonious blend of traditional Thai home cooking techniques and wholesome ingredients.

Cooking Method: Boiling, Stewing

Cuisine: Thai

Courses: Soups

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 4

Calories: 150

Dietary: Vegan

Description

This classic Thai wintermelon soup is a comforting bowl of warmth that balances savory, herbal, and slightly sweet flavors. The clear broth, made by simmering chicken and pork bones with celery, provides a deep umami base without being heavy. Tender chunks of wintermelon absorb the broth's essence, becoming soft and flavorful. Homemade meatballs made from ground chicken and pork, bound with a fragrant paste of garlic, cilantro, and white pepper, add texture and richness. Fresh shrimp and straw mushrooms contribute additional layers of seafood and earthiness. Finished with a sprinkle of green onions and cilantro, this dish is perfect for cold evenings or as a restorative meal. It's a harmonious blend of traditional Thai home cooking techniques and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Water
Celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
Fish sauce
Salt
Wintermelon (Fak), peeled, seeded, and cut into bite-sized chunks
Chopped garlic
Ground white pepper
Ground chicken
Ground pork
Shrimps, shelled and deveined
Canned straw mushrooms, halved
Green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
Chopped cilantro
Chicken and pork bones

Directions

1
Place chicken and pork bones, celery, and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil.
2
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes to create a rich broth.
3
While the broth simmers, blend garlic, 3/4 cup of cilantro, and ground white pepper in a blender until smooth.
4
Divide the cilantro-garlic paste into two equal parts.
5
Mix the first half of the paste with the ground chicken.
6
Mix the second half of the paste with the ground pork.
7
Shape the chicken and pork mixtures into small balls, approximately 1/2 inch in diameter.
8
Strain the broth through a cheesecloth into a clean pot, discarding the bones and celery.
9
Return the strained broth to the pot. Add fish sauce and salt. Bring to a rapid boil.
10
Add the wintermelon chunks to the boiling broth. Cover and boil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until the melon is almost tender.
11
Add the chicken and pork meatballs, shrimps, and straw mushrooms to the pot.
12
Cook until the shrimp are pink and the meatballs are cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
13
Remove the pot from heat.
14
Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls.
15
Sprinkle each bowl with green onions and the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 150kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4g7%
Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
Cholesterol 60mg20%
Sodium 900mg38%
Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 2g
Protein 18g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/thai-wintermelon-soup-bwht68-a/