He Jia Tuan Yuan (Tofu Ball Soup for Lunar Chinese New Year)

Tofu and ground pork make round balls that are simmered in a savory soup which is served with a finishing touch of fresh pea vine shoots and Chinese dried shrimp. It's a family tradition for Chinese New Year.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 239 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 5 cups water
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 (14 ounce) package soft tofu
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
• 7 ounces ground pork
• 10 dried shrimp
• 1 cup fresh pea vine shoots, trimmed
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place the tofu into a large bowl, and mash it into a paste with a large spoon. Stir in the pork, cornstarch, egg, 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules, and 1 teaspoon salt until the mixture is very well combined.

Step 2

Turn off the heat, and stir in the dried shrimp, pea vine shoots, 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Serve hot.

Step 3

Heat the water and vegetable oil to a boil in a large saucepan, and reduce heat to an active simmer but not a full boil. Using gloved hands, pinch off about 1 tablespoon of the tofu mixture, roll it into a ball between your palms, and slide it carefully into the water so it doesn't break apart. Repeat with the rest of the tofu mixture. Without stirring the soup, let the tofu balls simmer until they rise to the top, about 30 minutes.