Minor Cold · Dinner · Damp-Heat
Bitter melon, soya bean and pork rib soup
Bitter melon clears heat while soya beans and ribs make the soup sweet — ideal after rich winter meals.
- 2 hr 15 min
- Serves 3
- Simmer
- Easy
CoolingClears damp-heatCuts richness
Why it suits you: Damp-heat types overdo hotpot and cured meats in winter. Bitter melon clears heat, soya beans drain damp and the ribs keep the soup from being too cold.
Method
Prep 15 min · Cook 120 min- 1Soak the beans for 2 hours; blanch and rinse the ribs.
- 2Deseed the bitter melon and cut it into large pieces.
- 3Simmer the ribs, beans, ginger and date for 1 hour.
- 4Add the melon for a further 45 minutes and season.
Cautions
- Bitter melon is cold — go easy with a cold stomach.
Chef's tips
- Add the melon later so the soup isn't too bitter.
The TCM view
Bitter melon is bitter and cold, clearing damp-heat; soya beans support the spleen; pork nourishes.
