Vietnamese Canh Bi Dao (Winter Melon Soup) by Peggy

10 Large Shrimp
2 Winter Melons
Garlic
MSG (chicken Bouillon)
salt
sugar
fish sauce to taste
freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1 scallion, trimmed and thinly sliced diagonally

*Heat pan with oil add garlic and chopped shrimp
*Fill pan with water and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
*Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the winter melon, and season to taste with salt, sugar, fish sauce and pepper.
*Simmer partially covered, until the melon is cooked, about 15 to 20 minutes.
*Serve hot in communal bowl or individual soup bowls-garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and scallion. May be served over rice.