Little Melon's Chicken Soothe-Soup

Dairy-Free · 8m+ · en

This cooling summer soup pairs soft, melt-in-the-mouth winter melon with lean minced chicken and the natural sweetness of red dates and goji berries. It's a traditional Chinese favorite made perfectly salt-free and baby-friendly!

Serve the soup warm, not hot. Always test the temperature on the inside of your wrist before offering it to your baby.
You can add a tiny bit of finely grated ginger during the simmering step to help soothe little tummies.
If the minced chicken clumps up too much, try mixing it with a tablespoon of cold water before stirring it into the hot broth.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 15 min
Servings: 2
Age: 8m+

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Ingredients

Winter melon — 250 g / ½ lb · peeled, seeded, and diced small
Low-sodium chicken broth — 120 ml / ½ cup · or homemade bone broth
Minced chicken breast — 50 g / ¼ cup · raw
Dried red dates — 2-3 pieces · pitted and finely chopped
Dried goji berries — 1 tsp · soaked in warm water to soften
Sesame oil — ¼ tsp
White pepper — 1 pinch · optional

Watch how it's made

Steps

Prepare the winter melon by peeling the tough green skin, scooping out the spongy center with seeds, and cutting the firm white flesh into small, bite-sized cubes.
In a small saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the diced winter melon, chopped red dates, and softened goji berries.
Gently stir in the minced chicken. Use a spoon to break up the chicken so it cooks evenly and doesn't clump together. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.
Remove from heat. Stir in the sesame oil and a tiny pinch of white pepper for flavor. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use pork instead of chicken?

Yes! Finely minced pork or a rich homemade pork bone broth is actually very traditional for this recipe and works wonderfully.

Why is winter melon good for the summer?

Despite its name, winter melon has a very high water content and is traditionally believed in Chinese culture to have a cooling effect on the body, making it a perfect hydrating food for hot summer months.

Can I freeze this soup for later?

If you are pureeing the soup for a younger baby, it freezes excellently. However, if you are keeping it in chunks for a toddler, the winter melon may become a bit mushy upon thawing, so fresh is best.

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What you'll need

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