Watercress pork bones dates soup (西洋菜豬骨蜜棗湯）
User Reviews
5
Watercress pork bones dates soup (西洋菜豬骨蜜棗湯）
Description
The Watercress Pork Bones Dates Soup combines pork neck bones, watercress, and Chinese honey dates simmered together in water to create a flavorful, soothing broth. Pork bones are cleaned, sometimes briefly boiled to remove excess fat and blood, then added with thoroughly washed watercress and dates to an instant pot or stovetop pot with water. Simmering for about an hour extracts flavor and tenderizes the ingredients.
The watercress brings a slightly peppery, green freshness that contrasts with the rich pork broth. The honey dates add a subtle sweetness that balances the overall flavor. The addition of a small amount of salt at the end allows personal seasoning to taste. The soup is traditionally light but flavorful and often enjoyed as a nourishing dish in Chinese cuisine.
Serving this soup allows a comforting warm option that pairs well with rice or as a light starter during a meal. It showcases classic Chinese herbal cooking by balancing savory, sweet, and fresh components in one dish.
Washing the watercress repeatedly removes any grit or insects. The recipe permits use of pork ribs or neck bones. Adjust the water volume depending on cooking method and pot size. Natural pressure release on the instant pot helps preserve broth clarity. Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for several days and can be reheated gently.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch watercress (12 oz)
- 1.5 pounds pork neck bones
- 2 pieces honey dates Chinese variety
- 10 cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt (Remember to add salt to your taste)
Instructions
Instant pot method:
- Wash a bunch of watercress (12 oz) and soak it in water for about 15 minutes to get rid of mud, insects or little bugs.
- Wash 1.5 pounds of pork bones with hot water. (Some people will boil them in water for a minute or two to get rid of some fat and blood.) Then, put them into the instant pot.
- After that, add a bunch of washed watercress into the instant pot pressure cooker.
- Next, put 2 pieces of Chinese honey dates into the pressure cooker.
- Pour 10 cups of water into the instant pot. Close the lid and vent. Push the manual button, adjust the time to 60 minutes at high pressure and natural release.
- Lastly, use a strainer to remove fat and add ¼ teaspoon of salt. (Remember to add salt to your taste.)
Top stove method:
- Wash the watercress and soak it in water for about 15 minutes to get rid of insects or little bugs.
- Then, wash 1.5 pounds of pork bones with hot water. (Some people will boil them in water for a minute or two to get rid of some fat and blood.)
- After that, add a bunch of watercress, 1.5 pounds of pork bones, 2 pieces of Chinese honey dates and 12 cups of water into a pot. Cover the lid, turn on medium high fire until it boils. Then, turn the fire to small. Let it simmer for 2 hours.
- Lastly, use a strainer to remove fat and add ¼ teaspoon of salt. (Remember to add salt to your taste.)
Notes
- Soak and wash watercress several times to remove dirt and small insects.
- Boil pork bones briefly prior to using to reduce impurities and excess fat if desired.
- Pork ribs, neck bones, or other pork bones can be used interchangeably.
- Use 10 cups of water for instant pot or about 12 cups for stovetop simmering.
- Add salt at the end to adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 105 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 105kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Sodium | 118mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 16mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 133IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 17mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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