Spicy and Sour Gai Choy (Chinese Mustard) Soup 酸辣介菜

Ok, I said no grandmother stories, but this one is different. I want to keep this story before it is lost in my memory ... 

Was looking through my FB post and found this dish made by my mom on 26 May 2012. She was already very ill during that time, suffering from cancer. But she was a very tough woman and cooked this absolutely delicious dish for me because I said I was craving for it. I have tried many different places that sell this dish and none came close to the one my mom made.

And since it was just a spontaneous craving, mom had to buy those BBQ meat, instead of using the leftovers which usually the case to make this dish. And even the Gai Choy is not easy to find because it usually only available during CNY. 

We both knew quietly that probably this would be her last time cooking this dish for us. She wanted to show me how to cook this so that I can do it on my own when she is no longer around ... 

And so, this was not cooked by me, and it's the last time mom cooked this dish. I love you mom, if you are somewhere up there watching us ... 

In memory of my mommy ... It's absolutely the most delicious dish in the whole wide world! I could not find any selling out there that can match her's.

Mom’s Recipe

3-5kg gai choy (the star of this dish. I can finish all 5kg on my own)

1 packet tamarind paste, add water to make liquid enough for the soup.

Asam skin (tamarind peel), few pieces to taste

Dried chili, few pieces  to taste

Fresh chili (optional. I will omit this because dried chili is spicy enough for me)

Roasted pork rib, shoulder and meat (or any leftover meat & bones after your feast!)

2 fresh chicken bone

2 whole garlics 

Cane sugar & soy sauce, to taste

Method

1. Wash gai choy thoroughly. Drain and set aside.

2. Boil all meat with water for 2-3min, then drain water. Set aside. (Do not boil too long coz the taste will become bland)

3. Add in asam liquid and all other ingredient except mustard. Boil for 30min in medium to low heat. Add water if it reduces too much.

4. After 30min, add in gai choy.

5. Then add sugar and soy sauce to taste. Simmer till gai choy is soft.