Vegetarian Chinese Winter Melon Soup

Boring right? If its daily Indian food? Tell me about it. I however don't have a choice. My love the love of my life, my other half-half need his daily fix of Indian food (Tomato Spinach Soup). The escape for me from Indian food of course is when he is away (Rice Congee With Condiments). I think that is a fair marriage deal? I think so. Now, lets get down to making this soup and whoever said we can't make vegetarian Chinese dishes (Yam Basket Vegetarian, Vegetarian Fried Bee Hoon & Vegetarian Chow Mein). Am I a vegetarian? Nope. Maybe, every now and then, as and when, I do prefer vegetarianism (Mushroom Veggie Burger) and soups by itself, by far is simplicity. I like it. Back from work, look into the fridge, remember I told you, my fridge is always stocked up, and then those ingredients quickly prepared for going into a pot for simmering. Slow simmering of course for the flavours to rise up (Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup). But you need a good stock. Keep some stocked up as well. Without a good stock, soups may not be all that exciting to our palates.Vegetarian Chinese Winter Melon Soup? Winter melon, woflberries, dried black fungus, vegetable stock and parsley leaves garnished.

Ingredients
1 medium size winter melon - remove skin, discard seeds and cut into bite sizes
10 garlic - remove skin and smashed
3 tbsp wolfberries/kei chi - soaked in water to soften
10 dried black fungus - soaked in water to soften and sliced
1/2 liter vegetable stock (home made, store bought or use the granule type)
Chinese parsley leaves - chopped
1 tbsp oil
Pepper and salt for taste

Method
Heat oil and saute garlic very quickly - 2-3 seconds.
Pour in stock and add melon pieces.
Simmer over low heat until melon becomes soft and tender.
Add the rest of the ingredients and continue to simmer for another 3-4mins.
Garnish with parley before serving.