5 from 24 votes
Watercress pork bones dates soup (西洋菜豬骨蜜棗湯）
This Watercress Pork Bones Dates Soup features tender pork neck bones simmered with fresh watercress and Chinese honey dates, creating a nourishing broth. Simmered either in a pressure cooker or on the stovetop with garlic optional, the soup balances savory pork flavor with the subtle sweetness of dates and the freshness of watercress. A sprinkle of salt adjusts seasoning before serving.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Additional Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
105 kcal
Course:
Soup
Cuisine:
Asian, Chinese
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.)
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 105
% 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.