Chinese Winter Melon Soup

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound winter melon
• 4 dried shiitake mushrooms
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 to 3 slices ginger
• 1/4 cup diced cooked ham
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 green onion, green part only, washed and cut on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces

Steps to Make It

1. Gather the ingredient
2. Wash the winter melon. Remove the green skin, seeds, and pulp. Cut into 2-inch pieces.

1. Place the winter melon in a pot of water, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 20 minutes, until the winter melon is tender.
2. Place dried shiitake mushrooms in a small bowl. Cover with cold water, and set aside for 20 minutes to reconstitute the mushrooms.
3. Squeeze out any excess water from the mushrooms, set aside.
4. To the pot, add the mushrooms, chicken broth, ginger, and cooked ham. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Add green onion for garnish and serve hot.