Stews
Winter Melon, Seaweed, and Edamame Soup
Winter melon, seaweed, and edamame soup is a classic summer dish for clearing heat. The sweet, juicy melon, tender edamame, and savory seaweedcreate a refreshing and delicious broth. Often enhanced with a bit of pork, it's simple, satisfying, and perfect for hot weather.
Main Ingredients
- Winter melon 500g
- Fresh edamame (shelled) 150-200g
- Dried kelp/seaweed 15-20g
- Lean pork (tenderloin) 150g
- Fresh ginger 3-5 slices 3-5 slices
- Garlic(sliced or mashed) 2-3 cloves
- Salt to taste
- White pepper powder a pinch
- Cooking oil a little
Steps
Soak dried kelp in cold water for 1 hour, then cut into pieces. Shell the edamame. Scrub the winter melon and cut into large chunks with the skin on. Slice the pork.
Heat oil in a pot, sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add pork and stir-fry until it changes color.
Add enough water (about 1.5-2L). Add kelp and ginger, bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Add winter melon and edamame. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
When the melon is translucent and edamame is cooked, season with salt and white pepper.
TCM Notes
Clears heat, promotes diuresis: Winter melon is high in water content, helping to relieve summer heat and reduce edema. Seaweed also helps clear heat. Resolves dampness, rich in nutrients: Edamame helps resolve dampness and strengthen the spleen, and is rich in plant protein. Seaweed provides iodine, calcium, and iron. Supports healthy blood pressure: Winter melon and seaweed help lower blood pressure and lipids. Cools internal heat: This soup has a cooling nature, making it effective for reducing summer heat and internal heat.
Suitable for：Those suffering from summer heat, thirst, or dry mouth Those with edema or poor urination Those with heavy dampness or poor appetite Those with high blood pressure or cholesterol Those watching their weight (low-calorie, high-fiber) General population for summer health maintenance
Not suitable for：Those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold or diarrhea (Use with caution!): This soup is cooling and may worsen symptoms. Add extra ginger. Those with a cold constitution (Use with caution) Those with wind-cold colds (Use with caution) Those with low blood pressure (Use with caution): May further lower blood pressure. Those with hyperthyroidism or on iodine restriction (Use with caution) Those with acute gout (Use with caution): Seaweed and beans contain moderate purines. Women during menstruation (Use with caution): May worsen cramps.
