Veracruz-style Winter Melon Soup

Ingredients

In this Veracruz-style adaptation, we incorporate the vibrant flavors of Veracruz cuisine by using ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, and jalapeños. These additions infuse the soup with a distinct Veracruz flavor profile, while still maintaining the lightness and texture of the original Chinese dish. We alse have the original recipe for Winter Melon Soup, so you can check it out.

• 1 winter melon, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces (500g / 1.1lb) 1 winter melon, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces (500g / 1.1lb)
• 2 tomatoes, diced (200g / 7oz) 2 tomatoes, diced (200g / 7oz)
• 1 onion, finely chopped (100g / 3.5oz) 1 onion, finely chopped (100g / 3.5oz)
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15g / 0.5oz) 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15g / 0.5oz)
• 6 cups vegetable broth (1.4L) 6 cups vegetable broth (1.4L)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the tomatoes and jalapeños to the pot, and cook for another 5 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften.
3. 3.
   Add the winter melon and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the winter melon is tender.
4. 4.
   Stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Remove from heat and let the soup cool slightly before serving.
6. 6.
   Serve the Veracruz-style Winter Melon Soup hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Winter melon — Make sure to peel the winter melon before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Remove the seeds and fibrous center before cooking.
• Jalapeños — Adjust the amount of jalapeños according to your desired level of spiciness. For a milder soup, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier version, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp to the soup.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the cilantro and lime juice.
• Serve the soup with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Veracruz-style Winter Melon Soup as a light appetizer or as a comforting main dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the Veracruz-style Winter Melon Soup in individual bowls, allowing the vibrant colors of the soup to shine through. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for an appealing garnish.