Wonton soup
Chinese Wonton soup is a traditional dish that has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. It is loved all around the world for its comforting and flavorful broth which is paired with delicate, skin-thin wontons filled with minced meat or shrimp. The dish is perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy night at home or a celebratory event.
The word “wonton” is derived from the Cantonese language, where it translates to “swallowing clouds.” The name is a nod to the delicate, ethereal texture of the wonton wrappers that float in the broth like fluffy clouds. The dish is said to have originated in northern China, where it was known as “hundun,” meaning “chaos.” The name arose from the resemblance of the uncooked wonton wrappers to the chaotic and tangled lines on ancient Chinese maps.
Today, Chinese Wonton soup is enjoyed all across the globe, and countless variations can be found in different regions of China. The dish is traditionally enjoyed during the Chinese New Year, where they are given as gifts and symbolize good luck.
The secret to a delicious Chinese wonton soup lies not only in the filling found inside of the delicate wrapper, but also in the broth it is served in. The broth must be savory and full-bodied, but not overpowering. Chinese Wonton soup broth is typically made with pork bones that are simmered for hours to extract their rich flavor. The broth is also enhanced with ginger, garlic, scallions, and shiitake mushrooms to add a depth of flavor.
The wonton filling is just as important as the broth. The most traditional filling is made with ground pork, but modern versions use shrimp, chicken, or a combination of meats. The filling is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and other delicious spices that bring the flavors to life. The filling is then carefully folded into the wonton wrappers, which are then boiled in water until the wonton is cooked through and the wrapper has become translucent.
Wonton soup is also highly customizable and can be paired with a variety of extra ingredients to make it even more flavorful. Some people add bok choy, sprouts, or other vegetables to the broth to add a pop of color and more flavor. Some also garnish their soup with roasted sesame seeds or fried garlic for an extra crunch.
In conclusion, Chinese Wonton soup is a delicious and comforting dish that has a rich history in Chinese cuisine. It is easy to make but requires some skills to fold the delicate wonton wrappers. Its versatility makes it the perfect dish to enjoy alone or with family and friends. With all of its delicious variations and adaptations, the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 25 wonton wrappers
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cups chopped bok choy
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
Directions:
- Combine ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, ginger, garlic, green onions, salt, black pepper, and beaten egg in a large bowl.
- Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface and place a teaspoon-sized mound of filling in the center.
- Wet the edges of the wrapper with water and fold into a triangle. Press the edges together to seal.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the wontons for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- In a separate pot, bring chicken broth, water, salt, and sesame oil to a boil.
- Add bok choy, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms and cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked wontons to soup and heat through.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chinese wonton soup!