Winter Melon Barley Carp Soup
A light, nourishing Chinese soup featuring tender carp fish simmered with sweet winter melon and chewy barley. This traditional comfort soup is believed to have cooling properties and is perfect for warmer weather.
Story
This classic Chinese soup combines the delicate flavor of carp with the subtle sweetness of winter melon and the nutty texture of barley. Often enjoyed for its purported health benefits, it's a comforting dish that's simple to prepare at home.
Ingredients
whole carp fish, cleaned
1 fish (about 400g)
winter melon
300g, peeled and cut into large chunks
barley (coix seeds)
50g
goji berries
10g
ginger
3-4 slices
green onions
2 stalks, chopped
salt
to taste
water
2 liters
Instructions
1
Prepare the ingredients
Rinse the barley and soak it in clean water for about 1 hour until slightly softened. Meanwhile, rinse the goji berries and set aside. Cut the winter melon into chunky pieces and pat the carp dry with paper towels.
2
Sear the fish
Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the carp and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This step adds depth to the soup but can be skipped for a lighter version.
3
Simmer the soup
Add 2 liters of fresh water to the pot along with the soaked barley and ginger slices. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 40-50 minutes until the barley is tender and the fish flakes easily.
4
Add winter melon and goji berries
Add the winter melon chunks and continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes until the melon becomes translucent and tender. Toss in the goji berries during the last 5 minutes.
5
Season and serve
Taste and adjust with salt as needed. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and serve hot in deep bowls. Enjoy the soup while it's warm for the best flavor.
