When we go for dim sum (also known as yum cha, which literally translated means ‘drink tea’) we bump into lots of family friends and one of those is Mr Dong. He grows his own winter melon, as does our dad. However, Mr Dong always boasts about how big and majestic his winter melons are, which irks my dad. One summer in 1988, dad decided to try to grow the biggest winter melon – he didn’t succeed but ended up growing over 60 of them in the back garden, which exasperated our mum who had to step over them to put the washing out. For weeks on end she created recipes using the winter melon. When we make this amazing soup it takes me back to the summer of 1988 – to our childhood filled with laughter and food.
Winter melons 冬瓜 (dong gua) grow as big as a 9kg watermelon and look similar with their dark green skin but inside, the flesh is akin to the neutral flavour of marrow which you’d find in supermarkets. Winter melon soup is reputed to be cooling and good for detoxification. Winter melon has a reputation as an excellent detoxifier and helps with weight loss. Although it is called the winter melon, it is actually a summer produce.
Serves 4
Prep time 15 minutes
Cook time 1 hour 10 minutes
2.5 litres water400g pork spare ribs
300g winter melon, cut into small pieces, skin removed1 tablespoon dried shrimp, soaked in water for 10 minutes (optional)1 teaspoon white peppercorns, lightly pounded
1 dried honey date salt, to taste (optional)
First, add 1 litre of water to a saucepan and bring to boil. Add the ribs and blanch for 10 minutes. This will cook off the scum. Drain. Now your ribs are ready to be used for the soup base.
In a large saucepan, add the blanched ribs, winter melon, dried seafood, peppercorns and honey date. Cover with the remaining water and bring to boil for 15 minutes.
Lower the heat to low simmer for an additional 45 minutes – the soup will be full of the sweet flavour of all the ingredients. Add salt to taste and serve.
To book a table at Sweet Mandarin email sweetmandarintables@gmail.com . Our opening times are Tuesday – Sunday 5-10pm.
Sweet Mandarin is a Chinese Restaurant in Manchester which serves delicious Chinese cuisine and exotic cocktails. We make our own sweet chilli sauce, bbq sauce, sweet & sour sauce which you can buy from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Ocado, Booths, Wing Yip and Chi Yip. Sweet Mandarin Chinese Restaurant and Cookery Schoolcan cater for the gluten free, dairy free diners. We are a short 15 minute walk from the Manchester Arena. We are not based in Chinatown, but based in the trendy Northern Quarter near the Arndale Centre, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Debenhams and Primark. The nearest hotels to us are the Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, Premier Apartments, Blue Rainbow Aparthotels, Light Hotel and Hatters Hostel.