Winter melon boasts a high water content, alongside an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients work synergistically to support hydration balance, promote cardiovascular health, bolster the immune system, enhance skin vitality, and optimize digestive function and waste elimination. Additionally, the fiber content in winter melon aids in the absorption and removal of harmful substances from the body.
Beyond its nutritional value, winter melon is revered in traditional Chinese medicine for its health benefits, often likened to the revered “lingzhi mushroom” and considered a nourishing food. Winter melon can be transformed into a variety of delectable dishes, including soups, stir-fries, and steamed preparations. Some even consume it raw to maximize its natural nutrient content.
Join Bếp Eva in exploring two delightful winter melon recipes that are sure to delight 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
Combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp cornstarch, and 1 tbsp water in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Pork
Heat a pan, add oil, and sauté the minced pork until browned. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce.
Simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Steam the Winter Melon with Pork
Place the sliced winter melon on a plate, top with the cooked pork, and steam for 10 minutes.
This dish is both delicious and refreshing, with the savory soy sauce-infused pork complementing the tender winter melon. Perfect for a summer meal!
2. WINTER MELON TEA
Ingredients:
Part A:
– Sugarcane: 700g
– Rock sugar: 150g (adjust sweetness with sugarcane juice or use 150g palm sugar for a richer flavor and color)
– Water: 5 liters
– Dried winter melon: 50g
– Goji berries: 20g
– Monk fruit: 1 (use sparingly to avoid overpowering the winter melon flavor)
– Pandan leaves: 6
– Red dates: 18
– Dried chrysanthemum flowers: 10
Part B:
– Fresh winter melon: 1kg (choose mature but not overripe, firm with a thin powdery coating)
– Rock sugar: 150g (rely mainly on sugarcane sweetness)
– Preparation: Wash the winter melon thoroughly, remove the soft inner pulp to prevent sourness.
– Sugarcane: Wash, crush, and bruise.
– Monk fruit: Cut into quarters.
– Dried winter melon: Rinse thoroughly.
Cooking Instructions:
– Combine all ingredients from Part A and simmer for 30 minutes to extract sweetness from the sugarcane.
– Add Part B ingredients and cook for an additional 15 minutes, avoiding overcooking to prevent sourness.
– Strain the mixture through a sieve, allow to cool, and store the tea in bottles. Enjoy chilled for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
– Winter melon tea is best enjoyed with aloe vera or 3Q tapioca pearls.
– Add store-bought 3Q tapioca pearls or aloe vera to the tea, along with ice or chia seeds if desired.
Wishing you success!