Winter melon stands as a hydrating marvel, brimming with vital vitamins, minerals, and an impressive water content. This synergistic blend works tirelessly to sustain hydration, fortify heart health, bolster immunity, rejuvenate skin, and streamline digestion and detoxification. Its rich fiber content further aids in purging toxins from the body.
Beyond its nutritional prowess, winter melon holds a distinguished position in traditional Chinese medicine, often paralleled with the revered lingzhi mushroom for its health-enhancing attributes. This versatile ingredient excels in a myriad of culinary creations, from soups and stir-fries to steamed delicacies. Some enthusiasts even savor it raw to maximize nutrient absorption.
Join Bếp Eva in exploring two exquisite winter melon recipes destined to enchant your family:
1. STEAMED WINTER MELON WITH MINCED PORK
Ingredients:
– 200g minced pork shoulder, 400g winter melon
– Sauce: 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp water, 2 garlic cloves
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparation
Peel, wash, and slice the winter melon into thin rounds.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp cornstarch, and 1 tbsp water. Set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Pork
Heat oil in a pan and brown the minced pork. Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic. Pour in the prepared sauce.
Simmer on low heat until thickened, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Steam the Winter Melon with Pork
Arrange the sliced winter melon on a plate, top with the cooked pork, and steam for 10 minutes.
This dish offers a harmonious blend of savory and refreshing flavors, with tender winter melon complementing the soy-infused pork. Perfect for a summer feast!
2. WINTER MELON TEA
Ingredients:
Part A:
– Sugarcane: 700g
– Rock sugar: 150g (adjust sweetness with sugarcane juice or use palm sugar for depth)
– Water: 5 liters
– Dried winter melon: 50g
– Goji berries: 20g
– Monk fruit: 1 (use sparingly)
– Pandan leaves: 6
– Red dates: 18
– Dried chrysanthemum flowers: 10
Part B:
– Fresh winter melon: 1kg (mature, firm, with powdery coating)
– Rock sugar: 150g (rely on sugarcane for sweetness)
– Preparation: Wash winter melon, remove inner pulp. Crush sugarcane. Quarter monk fruit. Rinse dried melon.
Cooking Instructions:
– Simmer Part A ingredients for 30 minutes to extract sweetness.
– Add Part B, cook 15 minutes. Avoid overcooking.
– Strain, cool, bottle. Serve chilled for best flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
– Elevate with aloe vera or tapioca pearls.
– Add ice, chia seeds, or store-bought pearls for a refreshing twist.
Wishing you culinary excellence!
