THERMAL COOKER - OLD CUCUMBER PORK RIBS SOUP

My mother in-law used to cook this soup very often but I couldn't follow her recipe cos' it is a rather costly soup.  Her version uses several big pieces of scallops, dried squids, lots of pork ribs and a large size old cucumber.  I remembered nobody eats the scallops then.  I was the one picking them to eat at the end of the meal instead of discarding them.

The scallops that she used are from Japan and I know that they are pricey.

This recipe which I used is a 'pauper' version which I hope to share with some readers who are looking for a more economical recipe.  Here, I have omitted the scallops and used the meaty pork ribs which can be eaten too.  There are the smaller size scallops available at the grocery stalls which is much cheaper but I have no idea how is the quality.  

The soup is clear, tasty, nutritious and healthy.

Ingredients

[serves 2-3]

1 medium size old cucumber 

1 carrot - cut chunky pieces

1/2 dried squid - cut smaller pieces and rinsed well

3-4 pieces [300 gm] meaty pork ribs

10 red dates

1 litre water

some peppercorns - crushed

3 cloves garlic - keep whole

salt and msg to taste

1. Sliced old cucumber diagonally and deseeded.
2. Blanched pork ribs and rinsed to remove scums.
3. Bring water to boil with pork ribs, peppercorns and garlic for about 20 minutes in the inner pot of thermal cooker.
4. Add in the remaining ingredients and seasoning to taste.
5. Cover with lid, transfer pot to outer pot, close cover and leave to cook for 1-2 hours or until ribs are tender.
6. Serve immediately or reheat before serving if you like boiling hot soup.

Notes: I tried cooking this soup again with anchovies, the soup is as good too.