Watercress pork bone broth is a culinary gem, a nourishing and deeply flavorful soup cherished in Chinese cuisine. This comforting dish boasts a rich, savory broth derived from simmering pork bones for hours, unlocking their collagen and creating a velvety texture. The peppery bite of watercress adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the broth, creating a harmonious balance of tastes and textures. It's a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a restorative meal. This recipe showcases the subtle art of building layers of flavor, culminating in a soup that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying.
Beyond its delicious taste, this soup is packed with nutrients from the bone marrow and the vitamin-rich watercress. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly exceptional meal. Ready to experience the magic of this classic soup? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to make your own comforting bowl of watercress pork bone broth.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Colander
- Cast iron pot
- Spoon or slotted colander
Ingredients
- Pork neck bones: 700 grams
- Watercress
- Ginger: 1 piece
- Cantonese style sausages
- Salt: a tiny bit
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Blanch and Clean the Pork Bones
- Wash pork neck bones in cold water and put them in a pot of fresh cold water. Bring to a boil. Skim off the scum that floats to the top.
- Turn off the heat and pour everything out into a colander. Rinse quickly, keeping the meat hot in the center.
- Fill a cast iron pot with cold water. When the water is almost boiling, add the pork bones.
- Boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove any additional scum that appears.
Step 2. Simmer the Broth
- Smash ginger and cut up Cantonese style sausages. Add these aromatics to the pot.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the broth turns milky white. (This will take approximately 1-1.5 hours for the meat to become tender)
- After 1-1.5 hours, the meat should start to pull off the bone. You can stop here, or cook for up to 2.5 hours for extra tenderness.
Step 3. Add Watercress and Season
- Add watercress. Turn heat to high, bring to a bubbling boil, gently push in the watercress, season with salt, and then turn off the heat. Let it finish cooking in the residual heat.
Read more: Chinese Wonton Soup: Thousand-Li Fragrance Recipe
Tips
- Watercress cannot be substituted; its unique taste is key to this dish.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-450
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 5-10g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use other greens instead of watercress?
Yes! Bok choy, gai lan, or spinach are all good substitutes. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent over-wilting.
2. How can I make the broth richer?
For a richer broth, roast the pork bones in the oven before simmering. This adds depth of flavor. You can also add a few dried shiitake mushrooms during the simmering process.
This Watercress Pork Bone Soup recipe is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Chinese cooking. Enjoy the rewarding experience of crafting this nourishing and flavorful bowl of comfort, perfect for any occasion. Savor the rich broth and the delightful contrast of the peppery watercress – a taste of true culinary satisfaction.