As the days of August slowly wear by, the heat still lingers, and the winter melon has become the darling of the season. Not only does this fresh green giant melon have a sweet taste and a crunchy texture, but it also brings a myriad of health benefits, making it a must-have ingredient on the table in late summer and early fall. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, winter melon is regarded as a food that can clear away heat, relieve heat, diuretic and detoxify, and is very suitable for combating the heat and humidity of summer.
The benefits of winter melon are really numerous. First of all, due to its high-moisture and low-calorie properties, winter melon is an ideal ingredient for weight loss and weight control. It can help you reduce your energy intake without sacrificing satiety. Secondly, the rich dietary fiber in winter melon helps to promote intestinal health and prevent constipation, while the adsorption effect of fiber can also help remove toxins and waste products from the body.
In addition, winter melon is also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and B vitamins, which can not only help maintain the health of skin and hair, but also enhance the body's ability to fight diseases. Next, I'm going to introduce you to four healthy and delicious winter melon recipes, each of which is easy to learn and suitable for anyone of any cooking level to try at home.
Recommended recipe 1: Winter melon pork rib soup
Winter melon pork rib soup is an ideal hydrating and cooling dish, especially for hot summer days. Winter melon is rich in vitamin C and potassium, which effectively helps the body to excrete excess sodium, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing the burden on the heart. At the same time, pork ribs are rich in protein and calcium, which can enhance the health of bones and muscles. This soup is an effective way to replenish the nutrients the body needs while helping to maintain the body's water balance.
Main ingredients: winter melon, pork ribs, ginger slices, green onions.
Here's how:
Wash the pork ribs, soak them in cold water to remove the blood, and then add ginger slices to boil.
Peel and cut the winter melon into cubes, boil the water and simmer with the pork ribs.
When the soup is boiled until the pork ribs are soft and the winter melon is transparent, add salt to taste.
Sprinkle chopped green onions before removing from the pan to increase the aroma.
Recommended Recipe 2: Garlic winter melon slices
Garlic winter melon slices are not only smooth in taste, but also highly nutritious. The low-calorie and high-moisture properties of winter melon make it a weight-loss-friendly choice, while minced garlic provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. This dish is rich in selenium and vitamin C, which can boost immunity while aiding digestion and removing toxins from the body.
Main ingredients: winter melon, minced garlic, chili pepper, soy sauce.
Here's how:
Cut the melon into thin slices, marinate with a pinch of salt and wash it.
Heat a little oil in a pan and stir-fry with minced garlic and chili pepper until fragrant.
Add the slices of winter melon and stir-fry quickly.
Add an appropriate amount of soy sauce to taste, and stir-fry until the winter melon slices are soft.
Recommended recipe 3: winter melon and shrimp balls
Winter melon and shrimp balls are a delicious and nutritious dish. Shrimp is a high-quality source of protein, rich in essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. The diuretic and hypoglycemic effects of winter melon make this dish a preferred choice for a healthy diet. Cooking together not only provides a wealth of vitamins, but also brings multiple flavors to enjoy.
Main ingredients: winter melon, shrimp, ginger, green onion.
Here's how:
Peel and cut the winter melon into cubes, and clean the shrimp to remove the sand line.
Add water to a pot, add ginger slices and winter melon and cook until half-cooked.
Add the shrimp and cook until the shrimp change color.
Season with chopped green onion and salt, cook and serve.
Recommended recipe 4: Roasted tofu with winter melon
Roasted tofu with winter melon is a vegetarian dish that is both nourishing and healthy. Tofu is rich in plant-based protein, which helps with muscle building and repair, while winter melon's high vitamin and mineral content can effectively support the body's metabolic functions. The low-fat and high-protein nature of this dish is suitable for all those who are looking for a healthy lifestyle.
Main ingredients: winter melon, soft tofu, shiitake mushrooms, chopped green onions.
Here's how:
Cut the tofu into cubes, peel and slice the winter melon.
Add oil to the pot and stir-fry the shiitake mushrooms until fragrant.
Add winter melon slices and tofu cubes, and add an appropriate amount of water.
Simmer until the melon is transparent and the tofu is flavorful.
Finally, sprinkle with chopped green onions, add salt and remove from the pan.
These carefully selected winter melon recipes will not only add variety to your table, but will also bring you cool comfort on a hot summer day. Each dish is easy to make, delicious and healthy, helping you and your family enjoy a healthy meal time.