Ingredients
500 g winter melon (about 1 lb), 100 ml milk.
Seasonings
250 ml chicken broth, 15 g chicken fat, salt, MSG, cooking wine, ginger slices, scallion segments, and water starch to taste, plus a small amount of star anise.
Instructions
1. Peel the winter melon, remove the seeds and pulp, wash it, then cut into pieces 6 cm long, 4 cm wide, and 1.5 cm thick. Arrange the pieces in a soup bowl with the seed-side facing up, add chicken broth, star anise, scallion segments, ginger slices, and salt, then steam in a steamer until tender.
2. Remove the steaming bowl, discard the star anise, scallion sections, and ginger slices. Pour the winter melon and its liquid into a wok, add a small amount of chicken broth, and bring to a boil over high heat. Adjust the seasoning, skim off any foam, then add milk, MSG, and Shaoxing wine. Thicken with a cornstarch slurry, drizzle with chicken fat, and transfer to a serving plate. This dish features a beautiful white-and-green color, a light and fresh flavor, and is rich in protein, vitamins, and trace minerals.