Pork watercress soup is a classic and authentic Cantonese Chinese soup like dried bok choy soup, lotus root soup, green radish carrot soup, tomato potato soup and sweet corn carrot soup. This watercress pork bones soup recipe (西洋菜豬骨蜜棗湯) is simple, tasty and subtle sweet. Also, there are both top stove and instant pot watercress soup methods. Let’s learn how to make this delicious authentic Cantonese soup with step by step photos and a video tutorial!
Love soups? Check out these hot and sour soup, gobo root soup, Korean ginseng chicken soup, kimchi tofu soup, Hong Kong borscht soup, miso soup, tom yum kung and chicken gnocchi soup recipes.
What is Chinese watercress soup (西洋菜湯)?
Chinese watercress soup is also known as sai yeung choi tong (西洋菜湯) in Cantonese. Or, xī yáng cài tāng in Mandarin Chinese. It is a popular Chinese soup made with watercress as the main ingredient. This soup is very common in the southern part of China like green radish carrot soup, dried bok choy soup, lotus root soup, sweet corn carrot soup and tomato potato pork bone soup.
Watercress is a leafy green vegetable with a peppery taste when it is uncooked. People like to use it in salads and soups in various cuisines. The basic recipe for Chinese watercress pork bone soup (西洋菜豬骨蜜棗湯) typically includes watercress, pork (usually pork ribs or pork bones), and other simple ingredients such as dried dates. This watercress Chinese soup has a light and refreshing flavor. Often, it is consumed as a nutritious and soothing dish.
There are different variations of Chinese watercress soup. Some recipes may include additional ingredients such as goji berries, red dates, or other herbs and spices to enhance the flavor and nutrition. In this recipe, I am going to show and share the basic and authentic Cantonese watercress Chinese soup. However, you can prepare and adjust based on your preferences.
What does watercress soup taste like?
The overall taste can be influenced by additional ingredients you use in the recipe. In general, Chinese watercress soup has a mild and refreshing flavor. The taste is generally light, savory, and subtle sweet because I added dried dates in this Chinese watercress soup recipe.
Also, it's often enhanced by the addition of ingredients like pork (commonly pork ribs or pork bones). The pork contributes a savory richness to the broth, creating a well-balanced and comforting soup. With simplicity and clean flavors, this soup is great for people looking for a light and nourishing soup in Chinese cuisine.
What is watercress soup Chinese good for?
Chinese watercress soup, like many traditional Chinese soups, is valued not only for its delicious taste but also for its potential health benefits.
Since watercress is a nutrient rich leafy green. It provides vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, and iron. Including watercress in the soup adds nutritional value to the diet. Also, from a traditional Chinese medicine point of view, watercress vegetables have properties that can benefit the respiratory system. Therefore, sometimes it helps alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as coughs and colds. I remembered my mom likes to make this pork watercress Chinese soup during fall because we get sick easily.
Besides, watercress is considered to have cooling properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, foods are often classified as "cooling" or "warming." And, Chinese believe watercress has a cooling effect on the body. In addition, this Chinese watercress soup, along with the cooking methods, are believed to contribute to traditional Chinese medicine often emphasizing the balance of Yin and Yang in the body. It is nourishing and easy to digest. The warm and comforting nature of the soup can be soothing to the digestive system.
Like other soups, Chinese watercress soup contributes to overall hydration. Maintaining adequate fluid intake is essential for various bodily functions. Lastly, Chinese watercress soup is a part of Chinese culinary tradition because of its taste and texture. It's a wholesome and comforting soup for many Chinese households.
(***It's important to note that while Chinese watercress soup is enjoyed for its potential health benefits, individual responses to foods can vary. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified nutritionist.)
What are watercress vegetables?
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which also includes mustard, cabbage and broccoli. It is a fast growing, aquatic or semi aquatic plant that is often found in and around water sources like streams and springs. Also, it can be cultivated in moist soil. The plant requires a constant water supply to thrive.
When I was around 8-9 years old, I helped my friend's family harvest watercress in the field in Hong Kong. As I remembered it was so much fun to step into the muddy fields as a kid. Anyways, this was one of my good memories about watercress and watercress soup!
Watercress is well-known for its distinctive peppery taste when they are uncooked. The flavor is more pronounced in mature leaves, and it adds a zesty kick to salads, sandwiches and soups. According to WebMD, watercress is highly nutritious and is considered one of the most nutrient dense vegetables. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron.
The leaves of the watercress are small and round, with a dark green color. Typically, the plant has tender stems. Both the leaves and stems are edible. Often, people use watercress in salads, sandwiches both raw and cooked like soups. You can use it as garnish for various dishes and a popular choice in various cuisines around the world.
How do you pick watercress?
Always, choose watercress plants with vibrant, fresh looking leaves. Avoid those with yellowing or wilting leaves, as they may be past their prime. If you use it for salad and sandwiches, it is best to pick tender, younger leaves and stems. These parts of the plant tend to be milder and more enjoyable.
How to clean watercress vegetables?
The best is to soak the watercress in water for about 15 minutes to get rid of mud, insects or little bugs. Then, wash and rinse them at least 3 times.
What are the ingredients for sai yeung choi tong (西洋菜湯)?
In this authentic and basic Cantonese watercress soup Chinese recipe, the main ingredients are watercress, pork bones, water, salt and Chinese honey dates.
What are Chinese honey dates?
Chinese honey dates are also called candied dates. They are usually sold in traditional Chinese medicine shops. However, now you can get it in Asian stores. They are light brown and have striated skin. Therefore, some called it “golden thread”. Besides, they are larger and sweeter than dried red dates. And, they often use it as sweeteners in traditional Chinese healing soups and drinks.
Cooking tips for how to make watercress pork ribs or pork bone soup:
- Wash the watercress and soak it in water for about 15 minutes to get rid of insects or little bugs, remember to wash them a few times (3 times).
- I like to wash the 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.)
- You can use pork ribs, pork neck bones or pork bones.
- Use 10 cups of water for an instant pot pressure cooker or use 12 cups of water for the top stove method.
Storage and reheating watercress soup Chinese:
Storage:
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature after cooking. If you plan to consume the soup within a few days, store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Ensure that the containers are suitable for storing liquids and have tight fitting lids to prevent the absorption of odors from the fridge. Then, label the containers with the contents and date of preparation to keep track of freshness. If you need to store the soup for an extended period, you can freeze them as well.
Reheating:
If the soup from the freezer, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to minimize the risk of bacterial growth. When reheating on the stove, use low to medium heat to avoid overheating or burning. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even warming.
You can microwave it for 2-3 minutes if it is from the refrigerator. Heat the soup in short intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute the heat evenly.
FAQs:
Absolutely, you can make this soup over the stove top method and please scroll down to see the stove top method sections.
Sure, you can freeze watercress soup! While freezing Chinese watercress soup can be convenient for preserving leftovers. But, keep in mind that the texture may not be identical to freshly made soup. Additionally, the flavor of some ingredients can change during freezing.
Yes, you can skip it or add goji berries and red dates.
Instructions for how to make instant pot watercress soup Chinese:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. After that, add a bunch of washed watercress into the instant pot pressure cooker.
4. Next, put 2 pieces of Chinese honey dates into the pressure cooker.
5. 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.
6. Lastly, use a strainer to remove fat and add ¼ teaspoon of salt. (Remember to add salt to your taste.)
Enjoy this simple and easy instant pot watercress soup Chinese recipe! Also, check out these salt & pepper squid, steamed meatballs, cashew shrimp, sweet potato leaves stir fry, pan fried buns, eggplant pork and mapo tofu recipes.
Instructions for how to make watercress soup top stove method:
1. Wash a bunch of watercress and soak it in water for about 15 minutes to get rid of insects or little bugs.
2. 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.)
3. After that, add a bunch of washed 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.
4. Lastly, use a strainer to remove fat and add ¼ teaspoon of salt. (Remember to add salt to your taste.)
You May Also Like These Recipes:
- GOBO SOUP RECIPE
- HOT AND SOUR SOUP (酸辣湯)
- SWEET CORN CARROT PORK BONE SOUP
- KIMCHI TOFU SOUP (SUNDUBU-JJIGAE)
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Watercress pork bones dates soup (西洋菜豬骨蜜棗湯）
Video
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Watercress (12 oz)
- 1.5 pounds Pork neck bones
- 2 pieces Chinese honey dates
- 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
Cooking tips for how to make watercress pork bone soup:
- Wash the watercress and soak it in water for about 15 minutes to get rid of insects or little bugs, remember to wash them a few times (3 times).
- I like to wash the 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.)
- You can use pork ribs, pork neck bones or pork bones.
- Use 10 cups of water for an instant pot pressure cooker or use 12 cups of water for the top stove method.
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