Chinese Winter Melon Soup

Ingredients

250 grams winter melon

4 dried shiitake mushrooms

2 cups chicken broth

2 to 3 slices ginger

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

1 green onion for garnish

Method

1. Wash the winter melon. Remove the green skin, seeds, and pulp. Cut into 2-inch pieces. Place the winter melon in a pot of water, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 20 minutes, until the winter melon is tender.
2. Place dried shiitake mushrooms in a small bowl. Cover with cold water, and set aside for 20 minutes to reconstitute the mushrooms. Squeeze out any excess water from the mushrooms, set aside.
3. To the pot, add the mushrooms, chicken broth, ginger, and cooked ham. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Add green onion for garnish and serve hot.