Bitter melon is highly nutritious. It has almost as much potassium as a banana and is an excellent source of vitamins C and A. Some research indicates that bitter melon may help reduce inflammation, and thus reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Use caution if you are eating large amounts of bitter melon or taking bitter melon supplements. It may interfere with some diabetes medications causing blood sugars to dip too low.
Bitter Melon Shrimp Egg Pie
Ingredients |
Directions |
1/2 Bitter Melon, seeded, cut into thin strips 1/2 cup shrimp, peeled, de-veined 1 egg, beaten, whisked lightly with a dash of salt 2 Tbs Vegetable oil for stir-frying |
- Blanch the Bitter Melon strips in boiling water for about 30-60 seconds, or until jade green, drain well and remove to cold water to stop cooking, then drained well again and set aside for later use.
- Preheat 2 Tbs, of vegetable oil in a wok until hot, stir fry Bitter Melon strips and shrimp until the shrimp in pink, about 1-2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium, pour the whisked egg over them,
cook until the egg has set.
- Remove to a plate and serve immediately.
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Recipe source: Tennessee State University Extension
Stuffed Bitter Melon
Ingredients |
Directions |
- 4 medium sized bitter melons
- 1/2 tsp salt for marinating
- 2 Tbs cooking oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp dried mango powder
- Salt to taste
- oil for shallow frying
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- Scrape the bitter gourd with a peeler to remove the bumpy skin.
- Make a slit into each lengthwise and carefully scoop out the insides to remove the seeds etc.
- Apply a little salt to the hollow inside and outside of the bitter gourd and set aside for 15 to 30 minutes. This helps to eliminate some of the bitterness and to tenderize the vegetable.
- Wash the bitter gourd to remove the excess salt and squeeze out the water and pat it dry using a kitchen towel. Keep aside.
- Mix the chopped onions and dry spices with salt to taste and 2 tsp oil.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
- Fill a portion of the prepared mixture into each slit bitter gourd.
- Heat 2-3 Tbs oil in a shallow non-stick pan, gently add the bitter gourds to the pan and cook on a medium flame turning occasionally till they turn golden brown on all the sides.
- Serve immediately.
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Recipe source: Tennessee State University Extension
Indian Style Bitter Melon
Ingredients |
Directions |
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 1 bitter melon
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cut in long strips
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 tomatoes, cored and chopped
- 1 ½ tsp coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp mango powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp chili powder
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Trim ends of melon and cut in half.
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Scoop out the white pith and seeds and discard.
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Chop into pieces.
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In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-heat.
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Add melon, potatoes and onion.
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Cover and cook until just tender.
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Stir in tomatoes and seasonings. Cook on medium-low heat.
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Serve warm.
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Recipe source: Tennessee State University Extension