Bottle Gourd Chinese Soup Recipe

Bottle Gourd Chinese Soup is made with bottle gourd, carrot, onion, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, salt, spring onion, and fresh cilantro. This hearty soup recipe creates a delicious and nutritious dinner that takes about 40 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Bottle Gourd Chinese Soup Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized bottle gourd (lauki), peeled and cubed
• 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (e.g., canola or sunflower oil)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• Salt to taste (about 1-2 teaspoons)
• 1 spring onion, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Bottle Gourd Chinese Soup Instructions

1. Peel the bottle gourd and cut it into cubes. Peel and slice the carrot. Finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the cubed bottle gourd and sliced carrot to the pot. Stir well to combine. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bottle gourd and carrots are tender.
5. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. If you prefer a smooth consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be cautious with hot liquids.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped spring onion and fresh cilantro.

Recipe Tips

• Infuse with Aromatics: Allow the garlic and ginger to sauté until fragrant to fully release their flavors. This step adds depth to the soup’s taste.
• Adjust Seasonings at the End: Taste and adjust the seasoning (salt, soy sauce, white pepper) towards the end of cooking to ensure a balanced and flavorful soup.
• Garnish for Freshness: Fresh garnishes like chopped spring onions and cilantro not only enhance presentation but also add a burst of freshness to each spoonful.

How To Store Bottle Gourd Chinese Soup

Refrigerate: Cool the Bottle Gourd Chinese Soup completely. Then, either cover the pot with a lid or transfer the soup to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the soup. First, let the soup cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftover Bottle Gourd Chinese Soup

On The Stove: Pour the leftover soup into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until the soup is heated through.

In The Microwave: Put a portion of the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through.

What To Serve Bottle Gourd Chinese Soup

Bottle Gourd Chinese Soup pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, garlic bread, stir-fried vegetables, and spring rolls. It also can be served alongside dumplings, egg rolls, fried rice, and a fresh green salad for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, the soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with this soup to make it a complete meal?

Bottle Gourd Chinese Soup pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or crusty bread. You can also serve it alongside dumplings, spring rolls, or a side salad for a satisfying meal.

Try more recipes:

• Chicken Crack Noodle Soup
• Chicken Baja Soup
• Chicken And Tofu Soup