Shark's Fin Melon Pork Bone Soup Recipe 鱼翅瓜猪骨汤

This is my home secret recipe. Of course, everyone can cook in different ways. Here is my absolutely favourite and comfort soup. Fortunately, my husband's Paul loves gardening and growing shark fin melons which are impossible to buy in the UK. When you pick and eat a perfectly sized shark fin melon from your own garden, it is always a happy moment and you will understand the meaning of home grown fun. 

Ingredients
Shark fin melon, cut into pieces peeled or unpeeled.
Fresh ginger, 1 pieces
Pork bone, ribs and belly
Dried squid, soaked in water  

Red dates, jujube, washed
Dried scallops, washed

Dipping sauce

Minced garlic and fresh red chillies

Light soy sauce, mix with 1/2 granulated sugar

1) Boil water in a wok, over medium high heat. Add a piece of ginger, cook the pork bone, ribs and belly until nearly done and throw out water from an initial boil. Wash under cold tap water, pat dry and then set aside.

2) Transfer the cooked pork into a large pot, add soaked squid, red dates, soaked scallops, and finally shark fin melon pieces.

3) Cover with the hot water and cook for 1-2 hours as you prefer. sprinkle a pinch of salt before serving. Take the pork belly out and cut into pieces, dip with the sweet soy sauce. Serve with steamed rice and enjoy!

Helpful tips:

1) Soak the raw frozen in cooled boiled water for about half to an hour and you can see how red the water gets, removes and throw it away. (Beware for the room temperature, especially in summer and sometimes defrost quickly compare to winter time. 

2) Never wash raw meat or poultry in tap running water, it can easilly spread bacteria.

3) Remove shark fin melon seeds, only black ones for planting.

Recipe Source:  Josephine's Recipes