Lions Head Soup

Submitted by Alan Leonetti

"Lions head soup are Asian flavored pork meatballs nestled in cabbage that form lion heads and manes. This is a delicious soup that can be a meal in itself. If you have any questions, e-mail me: [e-mail]"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 20mins
• Ingredients: 16
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• INGREDIENTS FOR MEATBALLS

• 1 1⁄2 lbs pork butt (coarsely ground)
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (peeled & finely chopped)
• 2 scallions (finely chopped)
• 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
• 2 teaspoons sherry wine
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 egg white
• 1⁄2 lb smoked bacon (cut into bits)
• pepper

• INGREDIENTS FOR STIR FRY

• 1 large Chinese cabbage (Napa)
• 1⁄4 cup sherry wine
• salt and pepper

• INGREDIENTS FOR MEATBALL GLAZE

• 2 3⁄4 cups chicken stock or 2 3/4 cups chicken broth, plus
• 1 tablespoon chicken stock or 1 tablespoon chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

directions

1. In a skillet over medium to high heat fry the bacon bits and set aside.
2. Combine meatball seasonings and egg white in a bowl and add the meat. Stir with hands and throw into sides of bowl to thoroughly blend. Set aside.
3. Heat wok over medium high heat and add 3 tablespoons of the bacon drippings and swirl around to coat the wok.
4. Reserve 3 large leaves of the cabbage and coarsely chop the thick core, keeping the core and leaves separate. Shred the remaining leaves into wide long strips.
5. Add the thick cabbage core pieces into the wok and stir fry for 1 minute. Add the shredded cabbage leaves and continue to stir fry for an additional 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper and add ¼ cup of sherry, continuing to stir fry for 30 more seconds.
6. Remove cabbage to a large soup pot. Add the chicken stock or broth and the bacon bits. Also, chop 3 scallions (white & green parts) and finely chop and add to soup pot.
7. Combine all ingredients for the glaze in a small bowl.
8. Form meatballs using 2 tablespoons of meat. Glaze each meatball in glaze and pan fry until golden on all sides.
9. Place the meatballs on top of cabbage and cover the meatballs with the 3 reserved leaves. Bring pot to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cover the pot and reduce heat to a low simmer and cook for 1 hour.
10. To serve, place some cabbage into a bowl, with a meatball or two in the center, then adding the soup. Garnish with some additional finely chopped scallions.