Best Easy Watercress and Honey Date Soup Recipe

Watercress simmers with sweet honey dates and pork ribs for a cooling Cantonese tonic. This healthy, protein-enhanced family soup is believed to clear internal heat and nourish the body.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 225 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • watercress 2 bunches
  • pork ribs 1.5 lbs
  • honey dates 4 pieces
  • dried goji berries 2 tbsp
  • carrot 1 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
  • salt 1 tsp
  • white pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 18 g 32%
Protein 21 g 37%
Fat 8 g 31%
Serving size 400g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse pork ribs under cold water and blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes to remove impurities, then drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    In a large soup pot, add 10 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the blanched pork ribs and sliced carrot.

  3. 3

    Lower the heat to medium-low, skim away any foam, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add watercress, honey dates, and goji berries to the pot. Maintain a gentle simmer for another 60 minutes, ensuring the soup does not reach a full boil.

  5. 5

    Season with salt and white pepper in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining ingredient is watercress, which provides the soup with a distinct fresh aroma and subtle peppery notes. Pork ribs contribute both rich umami depth and protein, creating balance with the natural sweetness of honey dates.
Q. What is the most important step for achieving clear soup?
Blanching the pork ribs before simmering is crucial. This process draws out impurities and excess fat, preventing cloudiness in the final soup and yielding a clean, refined broth.
Q. How do I prevent the watercress from becoming mushy?
Add the watercress only after the soup has simmered for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat and avoid boiling. Gentle simmering preserves watercress’s tender, leafy texture without disintegration.
Q. What is the nutritional breakdown per serving?
Each serving provides about 225 kcal, with 18g carbohydrates (32%), 21g protein (37%), and 8g fat (31%), making this soup a high-protein, well-balanced choice suitable for nutritious meal planning.
Q. Are there any ingredients that can be omitted or swapped?
Goji berries add subtle sweetness and color but can be omitted for a simpler taste. Honey dates are foundational for the soup’s sweet profile, and watercress and pork ribs are essential for authenticity.
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