Taiwanese Pork Ball Soup

Steps

1. 1
   Lightly score the surface of the pork balls with a cross pattern and rinse off any ice crystals with cold water.
2. 2
   Pour approximately 800ml of cold water into a pot and place the pork balls directly into the cold water.
3. 3
   Turn up the heat and allow the pork balls to gradually warm as the water heats, releasing their natural sweetness into the broth.
4. 4
   Lightly bruise the celery and add it to the soup. The soup is ready when the celery has softened and opened up.
5. 5
   Taste the broth. The pork balls may already provide sufficient saltiness; adjust salt to your preference.
6. 6
   Season with white pepper to taste.
7. 7
   Just before serving, add a few drops of fish sauce. It will not impart a fishy taste but instead enhance the umami and depth of the broth.