Button Mushroom & Winter Melon Soup

Chinese Button Mushroom & Winter Melon Soup

Button Mushroom and Winter Melon Soup is a light, healthy, and comforting Chinese home-style soup. 

It is especially popular in summer because winter melon helps cool the body, while button mushrooms add natural umami flavor. 

This soup is simple, nourishing, and perfect for everyday meals.

---

Ingredients

• 200 g winter melon (peeled, seeds removed)

• 150 g button mushrooms 

• 1–1.2 liters water or light chicken stock

• 2 slices fresh ginger

• 1 scallion, cut into sections

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

• ½–1 teaspoon salt (to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon white pepper (optional)

• A few drops of sesame oil (optional)

---

Preparation

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   Peel the winter melon, remove the seeds, and cut it into medium-sized chunks.
   Clean the button mushrooms and slice them evenly.

2. Sauté for Aroma
   Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add ginger slices and sauté until fragrant.
   Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until lightly softened and aromatic.

3. Add Water and Simmer
   Pour in water or light chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat.

4. Cook the Winter Melon
   Add the winter melon pieces to the pot. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the melon becomes translucent and tender.

5. Season the Soup
   Add salt and white pepper to taste. Stir gently.

6. Finish and Serve
   Add scallion sections and cook for another 30 seconds.
   Turn off the heat and drizzle with a few drops of sesame oil if desired.

---

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot as a light soup alongside rice and other dishes. This soup is also excellent as a standalone low-calorie meal.

---

Cooking Tips

• Do not overcook winter melon; it should be tender but not mushy.

• Using chicken stock adds more depth, but water keeps the soup very light and refreshing.

• You may add dried shrimp, tofu, or goji berries for extra flavor and nutrition.