Three Flavored Soup
A comforting Chinese-inspired soup featuring hearty winter squash, tender chicken, savory ham, and fragrant dried scallops, perfect for warming up and nourishing the soul.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pare the winter squash and scoop out balls with a melon ball scooper.
- Cut the chicken legs through the bone into bite-sized pieces. Blanch the chicken pieces in boiling water.
- Remove, drain, and discard the water.
- Soak the dried scallops in water for 1 hour. Remove and drain.
- Place the winter squash balls, chicken, ham, black mushrooms, dried scallops, green onions, ginger root, cooking wine or sherry, stock or water, salt, and black pepper in a casserole.
- Stew over medium heat for 40 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the winter squash before adding it to the soup. You can substitute the ham with smoked turkey or bacon for a different taste. If you can't find Chinese black mushrooms, shiitake or button mushrooms can be used instead. Also, adding a touch of soy sauce can enhance the umami profile of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or scallions for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad or a side of Chinese recipes like Chicken Egg Drop Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock to maintain the desired consistency. Avoid boiling to preserve the texture of the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Flavored Soup contains roughly 337 calories, with 18g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and potassium (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2445mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of squash for this soup?
Yes, you can substitute other varieties like butternut or acorn squash. Each type will give the soup a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, omit the chicken and ham. You can use vegetable stock instead of water and add more mushrooms or tofu for protein. Consider adding other vegetables like carrots and bok choy for added texture.
What is the best way to serve Three Flavored Soup?
This soup is best served hot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Consider adding a squeeze of lime or a dash of chili oil for an extra kick. Serve it in deep bowls with a side of crusty bread or rice for a hearty meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).