Why You’ll Love this Healing Old Cucumber Soup with Pork
You’re going to absolutely love this Healing Old Cucumber Soup with Pork!
It’s super comforting and packed with flavor. The tender pork blends perfectly with the fresh cucumber.
Plus, the garlic and goji berries add a special zing! It’s a warm hug in a bowl.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this soup over and over again!
What Ingredients are in Healing Old Cucumber Soup with Pork?
When it comes to making a warm and wholesome bowl of Old Cucumber Soup with Pork, the ingredient list is both simple and hearty. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, combining flavors and nutrients to create that special taste everyone loves.
I mean, who doesn’t feel like a culinary wizard with such a delightful pot of comfort brewing on the stove?
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 cups water (plus 2 cups for blanching the pork shoulder bones, if necessary)
- ½ pound pork shoulder bones
- 1 whole old cucumber, deseeded and cut into 1-inch slices
- 1 bulb garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons dried oysters
- 2 tablespoons goji berries (ke chi)
- 4 whole red dates (jujubes)
- 4 pieces Solomon’s Seal (yuk chuk)
- 1 tablespoon salt
Now, let’s talk about some considerations when gathering these ingredients.
While the recipe calls for old cucumbers, if you can’t find them, just grab whatever cucumbers look good—it’s all about that fresh, juicy flavor.
Dried oysters may not be a pantry staple for everyone, so feel free to use them as an optional flavor booster. And those goji berries? They not only add a pop of color but also bring a mild sweetness that balances the savory goodness of the soup.
All these elements merge to create something truly special, and as you gather items, envision that delicious aroma filling your kitchen.
It’s truly a lovely thought, isn’t it?
How to Make this Healing Old Cucumber Soup with Pork
When diving into making Old Cucumber Soup with Pork, the first step involves getting cozy with the pork shoulder bones, specifically ½ pound’s worth. Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a delightful boil. Toss those bone pieces in there and let them take a nice spa-like soak for about 15 minutes. It’s important to drain after soaking—you’re looking for that rich flavor to come from the bones, not the other stuff they might be packing.
Why go through this? Well, it helps clear away any impurities, keeping your soup nice and clean.
Now, get ready for a little kitchen magic. Grab a pot and toss in your 6 cups of water, the now drained pork shoulder bones, 1 whole old cucumber (make sure it’s deseeded and sliced into 1-inch pieces), a bulb of peeled garlic, 2 tablespoons of dried oysters, 2 tablespoons of goji berries, 4 red dates (jujubes), and 4 pieces of Solomon’s seal. Don’t forget a tablespoon of salt; it’s essential for flavor.
Stir everything together with love (and maybe a little hope) before bringing it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away like it’s excited to be soup, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour.
Don’t have a pot? No worries! For those fancy crockpot enthusiasts, just boil the 6 cups of water on the stove as per the first step, then pour it carefully over the other ingredients in the crockpot. Crank it up to high for around 4 hours, or if you’re feeling patient, low for 6-8 hours works just as well.
The aroma wafting through your kitchen will surely entice everyone around. Finally, once it’s all simmered and melded together, this soup is ready to serve—simple, nourishing, and wonderfully comforting. For those who enjoy making curry dishes regularly, investing in luxury curry cookware can significantly enhance your cooking experience with superior heat distribution and durability. Bon appétit!
Healing Old Cucumber Soup with Pork Substitutions and Variations
Ready to take your Healing Old Cucumber Soup with Pork to the next level?
You can swap pork shoulder with chicken or even tofu for a veggie twist!
Try adding mushrooms or bok choy for extra flavor and crunch!
Don’t forget to sprinkle in some sesame oil or chili flakes for a kick!
Cooking’s all about fun and creativity, so experiment and enjoy!
What to Serve with Healing Old Cucumber Soup with Pork
Serving up Healing Old Cucumber Soup with Pork is a joy!
I love pairing it with some fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious broth.
A simple side of stir-fried greens adds a fresh crunch!
For a sweet finish, serve some sliced fruit like juicy mango or refreshing watermelon.
Trust me, these sides elevate your meal to a whole new level of yum!
Final Thoughts
Enjoying a warm bowl of Healing Old Cucumber Soup with Pork is such a rewarding experience! This dish is full of flavor and comfort. You’ll love the tender pork and crunchy cucumbers. Just remember to simmer for an hour or set your crockpot! I’m sure you’ll impress your family with this recipe. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
