Chinese Winter Melon Meatball Soup

 (Dong Gua Wan Zi Tang)

Introduction
Winter Melon Meatball Soup is a light, comforting, and nutritious Chinese dish often served in home kitchens. The soft winter melon absorbs the rich flavor of the broth, while the tender meatballs bring a satisfying savory taste. It’s a perfect dish for a family meal, especially during cooler months or when you want something gentle on the stomach.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the meatballs:

• 300g (10 oz) ground pork (or chicken)

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon white pepper powder

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions

• 1 teaspoon minced ginger

For the soup:

• 400g (14 oz) winter melon, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken stock (or water)

• 2 slices fresh ginger

• Salt, to taste

• White pepper powder, to taste

• Chopped green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the meatball mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, egg, soy sauce, salt, white pepper, sesame oil, cornstarch, green onions, and minced ginger.

2. Stir vigorously in one direction until the mixture becomes sticky and well-combined. This helps the meatballs hold together and stay tender.

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Step 2 – Shape the meatballs

1. Wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking.

2. Scoop a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a walnut. Repeat until all mixture is used.

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Step 3 – Prepare the soup base

1. In a medium pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil.

2. Add the ginger slices for fragrance.

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Step 4 – Cook the meatballs

1. Gently drop the meatballs into the boiling soup one by one.

2. Once they float to the surface, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.

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Step 5 – Add the winter melon

1. Add the winter melon pieces to the soup.

2. Simmer for another 8–10 minutes, or until the melon turns translucent and tender.

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Step 6 – Season and serve

1. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper.

2. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve hot.

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Tips for Best Results:

• Use fresh winter melon for the best flavor; the skin should be firm, and the flesh white.

• For a lighter version, you can replace pork with ground chicken or turkey.

• Adding a few goji berries in the last 5 minutes of cooking gives a subtle sweetness and extra nutrition.