Winter Melon Soup with Meatballs

Winter melon soup is a soothing and comforting dish that is indispensable during the cold winter months. The winter melon is cooked in a fragrant broth until tender, with extra juicy pork meatballs that have a melt-in-your-mouth texture.The soup is very easy to prepare and tastes especially fulfilling.

• 6 oz (170 g) ground pork (lean:fat ratio 7:3)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon ginger , grated
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• 1 1/2 to 2 lbs (700 to 900 g) winter melon
• 4 cups pork broth (or low-sodium chicken broth)
• 2 slices ginger (Optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt , or to taste (use 1/4 teaspoon salt if using store-bought broth)
• 1/3 cup cilantro , chopped (For garnish)