Chicken winter melon soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines tender chunks of chicken with the subtle sweetness of winter melon.
This light yet hearty soup often includes ingredients like goji berries, ginger, and fresh herbs, which contribute to its aromatic flavor profile. It’s commonly enjoyed for its supposed health benefits, such as aiding digestion and cooling the body during hot weather.
This soup is a staple in some Asian cuisines and is especially popular in Chinese cooking, where it is appreciated for its balance of flavors and wellness properties.
How To Make Chicken Winter Melon Soup?
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1hour 15minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken (I prefer using thighs for more flavor)
- 2 cups winter melon, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 slices ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped scallions for garnish
- Cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparing The Ingredients
Begin by heating olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, and sauté until translucent, roughly 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and ginger slices, and let them release their aroma for about 1 minute.
Cooking The Soup
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and brown them slightly on all sides. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface for a clearer soup. Add the winter melon cubes and continue to simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the melon is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Final Touches
Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro leaves before serving.
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken Winter Melon Soup
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 14 g
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Tips And Variations
Enhancements
For a spicy kick, add a sliced chili pepper with the onions. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a small amount of cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
Variations
Vegetarians can substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth.
Health Benefits Of Chicken Winter Melon Soup
Nutrient-Rich
This soup is a great source of protein and is low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for those on a low-carb diet. Winter melon is known for its hydrating properties and low-calorie count, which aids in weight management and provides a good dose of vitamin C.
Special Note
For those who have never worked with winter melon before, it has a mild taste that absorbs the flavors it’s cooked with, so the quality of your chicken broth really matters here.
Conclusion
There’s nothing like a bowl of Chicken Winter Melon Soup to satisfy the soul. It’s a delightful dish that’s not just a treat to your taste buds but also offers nourishment and comfort.
Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something warm, this soup is sure to do the trick. Its soothing flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect choice for any day, especially during the colder seasons.
Enjoy crafting this simple yet satisfying meal in your kitchen, and let the aromas transport you to a place of warmth and contentment.
Chicken Winter Melon Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients Â
1 lb chicken (I prefer using thighs for more flavor)
2 cups winter melon, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
3 slices ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped scallions for garnish
Cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
InstructionsÂ
Preparing The Ingredients
- Begin by heating olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, and sauté until translucent, roughly 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and ginger slices, and let them release their aroma for about 1 minute.
Cooking The Soup
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and brown them slightly on all sides. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface for a clearer soup. Add the winter melon cubes and continue to simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the melon is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Final Touches
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro leaves before serving.
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.