The Happy Home Cook: Sauteed Bitter Melon (Ginisang Ampalaya)
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Sauteed Bitter Melon (Ginisang Ampalaya) (Source: Yummy.ph)
I remember my grandmother telling me how important it is for me to eat bitter melon when I was growing up. Aside from its unique flavor, bitter melon has important health benefits, including helping to reduce blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol.
Dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, vegetarian
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 bitter melons
5 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tomato, finely chopped
4 large eggs, beaten
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Procedure
1. Cut the bitter melons in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Then cut into 1/4-inch slices. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Saute the onions for 3-5 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the tomato and saute for about 2 minutes, or until softened. Add the bitter melon and saute until tender and crisp, about 3 minutes.
4. Pour in the eggs and toss to combine with bitter melon until the eggs are set, soft, and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot on a platter.
Prep tip: When I prepare bitter melon, I wash it, rub it with rock salt, and let it sit for a few minutes to thave the salt work its magic by reducing a bit of its bitterness. Here in the United States, I have noticed the bitter melon is not as bitter as those in Asia, so I sometimes skip this process.
Roline Casper is the author of The Easy Filipino Cookbook, 100 Classics Made Simple. Her restaurant, Roline's Uniquely Filipino, is located in Vacaville, California.
