Why You’ll Love this Comforting Ham and Winter Melon Soup

If you’re looking for a warm and cozy dish to brighten up your day, you’ve come to the right place! This Ham and Winter Melon Soup‘s got everything you need. It’s flavorful, filling, and super easy to make! Picture tender ham and soft winter melon swimming in savory broth. Trust me, one bowl will have you smiling from ear to ear! Enjoy!

What Ingredients are in Comforting Ham and Winter Melon Soup?

When it comes to whipping up a warm, comforting bowl of soup, nothing screams cozy quite like Ham and Winter Melon Soup. The combination of sweet winter melon and savory ham makes your taste buds dance with joy. Each spoonful offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, providing both heartiness and a lightness that’s just perfect for a cool evening.

So, if you’re curious about what goes into this delicious dish, let’s take a closer look at the essential ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb winter melon (white gourd)
• 1/3 cup ham
• 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1 inch fresh ginger
• 1 green onion
• 1 teaspoon sherry wine
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 dried Chinese mushrooms (make sure to soak them in boiling water for 20 minutes, then squeeze dry and cut off stems)

Now, it’s plenty important to get the freshest ingredients you can find – trust me; it makes all the difference! For the winter melon, look for one that’s firm and heavy for its size. You want it to be smooth and without blemishes.

And about that ham? The type of ham you choose can really change the flavor profile. A nice, smoky ham can add depth to your soup, whereas a sweeter ham might lighten it up just a tad.

Finally, don’t skip on the ginger; it adds a lovely warmth and subtle spiciness that makes the soup just sing out loud with flavor.

How to Make this Comforting Ham and Winter Melon Soup

Making a comforting bowl of Ham and Winter Melon Soup is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day. So let’s plunge into this simple yet delightful recipe that’ll surely warm your heart and fill your belly.

Start by gathering your ingredients: you’ll need 1 lb of winter melon, which is that intriguing white gourd that often gets overlooked at the grocery store. Don’t be intimidated by its size; once you peel it and scoop out those seeds, it transforms into creamy cubes. Cut it into 1-inch squares for a perfect bite.

Next, grab 1/3 cup of sliced ham and give it a little love, chopping it into thin strips. Add 1 (14-ounce) can of chicken broth, along with 3 1/2 cups of water. You’ll also want a fresh piece of ginger, about an inch, plus a green onion. Oh, and don’t forget the sherry wine for that special touch—just 1 teaspoon will do!

Finally, toss in 2 dried Chinese mushrooms that you’ll need to soak in boiling water for about 20 minutes (who knew they could play hard to get?), then dice them up after giving them a good squeeze to remove excess water.

Now for the magic—combine the broth, water, ginger, green onion, sherry, soaked mushrooms, and your chopped winter melon into a big pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil and then let it simmer for an hour. This is where the kitchen starts smelling so good that you might just want to serve it right then and there, but patience is key.

After an hour, it’s time to add that ham. Let it cook together for another 10 minutes, which gives the flavors a chance to party it up before serving. Before you ladle this warm goodness into bowls, fish out the ginger and green onion (they’ve done their work and can take a bow now).

Serve this delightful concoction hot, and just like that, you have a bowl of warmth that’s as good for the soul as it’s for the tummy. If you prefer salmon over ham, consider investing in professional grilling equipment to create perfectly cooked fish that can be flaked into this comforting soup. Enjoy this simple dish that feels like home, no matter where you are.

Comforting Ham and Winter Melon Soup Substitutions and Variations

Sometimes, it’s fun to mix things up in the kitchen! You can swap out the winter melon for zucchini or even butternut squash!

If you’re low on ham, turkey or tofu works great too. Feel free to add more veggies like carrots or mushrooms.

I love tossing in some spinach at the end for a fresh twist! Get creative and enjoy!

What to Serve with Comforting Ham and Winter Melon Soup

While you’re savoring that delicious Ham and Winter Melon Soup, you might be wondering what to serve alongside it!

I love pairing it with steamed jasmine rice for a comforting touch. You can also add crunchy spring rolls for a fun contrast.

A light salad with sesame dressing brightens up the meal too. Enjoy each bite, and happy cooking!

Final Thoughts

Cooking Ham and Winter Melon Soup is such a delightful experience!

The warm flavors and comforting aroma fill my kitchen with happiness!

I love how the ginger and ham blend perfectly with the winter melon.

It’s a hearty dish that warms me right up.

Give this recipe a try! I promise it’ll become a cozy favorite in your home too!

Enjoy every spoonful!