Pork Rib and Old Cucumber Soup

Today we introduce another staple one-pot meal in this space, pork rib soup is always a warm and cozy way to end the day! Using only frozen pork, old cucumber and all the usual dates and chinese herbs which you can find near you, it makes for easy dinner when you are really tired.

Ingredients

• pork chunks (500g), you can use pork ribs, cubes, or any other parts, as long as there is enough bone to be boiled for the flavour

• unsalted broth or bullion - chicken / pork works

• 1/2 of an old cucumber

• 1 yellow onion

• 1 handful of goji berries (wolfberries) and red dates

Cooking

1. Heat oil and fry the onions until golden brown

2. Blanche the pork in hot water to cleanse it

3. Stir fry the pork so it will be fragrant. Do not just load everything into the pot and boil, frying with the onions gives the pork and the soup a better taste.

4. Deglaze your pot by adding the broth and simmer till it is bubbling

5. Add the old cucumber, and then simmer for an hour or more. You will know the cucumber is cooked when it becomes transparent instead of a slightly white tinged center. (Tip: if you are using a cast iron pot, be careful not to let your old cucumber pieces completely disintegrate from the heat. You can if you want to, though.)

6. When it is almost done, add salt (optional) and some white pepper

7. Serve with rice and vegetables

Tips:

• I have found a huge difference between cooking this in a stainless steel pot as compared to cooking in a cast iron pot. The latter holds in the flavour and richness better.

• You can substitute the old cucumber for carrots, corn, daikon or potatoes.