He Jia Tuan Yuan: A Traditional Tofu Ball Soup Recipe for Chinese New Year

Name: He Jia Tuan Yuan: A Traditional Tofu Ball Soup Recipe for Chinese New Year
Total time: 45 mins
Ingredients: 1 (14 ounce) package soft tofu; 7 ounces ground pork; 6 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 egg; 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules (Optional); 1 1/4 teaspoons salt; 5 cups water; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 cup fresh pea vine shoots, trimmed; 10 dried shrimp

During the Chinese Lunar New Year, meatballs and sweet dumplings are popular choices for symbolizing togetherness. In Chinese, "Wan" means ball, and "Tang Yuan" signifies sweet dumpling, both sharing a round shape. We incorporate dishes like meatball soup and sweet dumplings to emphasize the cherished expression "He Jia Tuan Yuan." "He Jia" represents the entire family, while "Tuan Yuan" signifies being together. "Yuan" also means circle or round, connecting with the shapes of meatballs and sweet dumplings. This He Jia Tuan Yuan recipe, a flavorful tofu ball soup, is easy to prepare and makes a perfect addition to your Lunar New Year feast, symbolizing family reunion and good fortune.

Total time45 mins
Prep time15 mins
Cook time30 mins
Yield5

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mash the tofu into a smooth paste using a spoon. Add the ground pork, cornstarch, egg, 1 teaspoon of bouillon granules, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
In a large saucepan, bring the water and oil to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, ensuring it's not a full boil. Using gloved hands, pinch off approximately 1 tablespoon of the tofu mixture. Roll it into a ball and carefully place it into the simmering water. Repeat this process, forming and adding the remaining tofu balls to the water. Allow the tofu balls to simmer, undisturbed, until they float to the surface, approximately 30 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the pea vine shoots, dried shrimp, the remaining 1 teaspoon of bouillon granules, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 239 kcal
Fat Content: 15 g
Fiber Content: 1 g
Sugar Content: 2 g
Sodium Content: 786 mg
Protein Content: 15 g
Cholesterol Content: 70 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 12 g
Saturated Fat Content: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g