How do u guys cook bitter melon?!
Answers: I would like to see some creative receipes
Bitter melon (aka Bitter Gourd aka KARELA)
To reduce the bitterness: soak cut pieces in 3-4 changes of water, then buttermilk for 20 minutes. Not sure how well it works, it's pretty bitter!
http://www.bawarchi.com/cookbook/karela....
http://www.numkitchen.com/vg7_karela%20s...
http://thespicewholovedme.blogspot.com/2...
http://food.sify.com/review_more.php?&t=...
http://milonee.net/bengali_recipes/bitte...
http://www.bittermelon.org/pages/eat/sal...
http://chinesefood.about.com/od/vegetabl...
No matter how you cook or whatever recipe you try, it is just way too bitter for human consumption: YUCK!
That's assuming u like the bitter taste of bitter melon. If not, dig out the centre portion(seed and fibrous core) as much as possible. Then blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, u can also dust with salt and rest it for 8-10 minutes. Then rinse it and cook as u wish.
Here are some cooking suggestions:
1. Cut the melon into circles. Dig out the centre portion. U can stuff minced meat or fish paste into the centre of the bitter melon. Thereafter, u can either steam it, shallow-fry in vegetable/corn/peanut oil or add it into clear soup.
2. Cut melon into half length-wise, dig out the centre portion, then cut into thin slices cross-section wise. U can then stir fry it with some dried shrimps and garlic or fermented black beans. Alternatively, u can add it to fish soup.
we split them in half...slice them thinly, lengthwise and rub salt on them then squeeze out the juices and rinse them...this lessens the bitter taste...then we saute garlic, onions and tomatoes...add ground pork... season with salt and pepper....add the bitter melon.. saute for a few minutes then add scrambled eggs, stir.... serve hot with rice...
I am a former chef from Canada and like them in alot of Asian style dishes, stuffed with ground pork, garlic and ginger then steamed, finally stir fried with Black Bean sauce, in Indian currys with either another strange veg called kerela or in one with spinach and fresh fenugreek leaves.
I also have had it in a Thai soup with shrimp, in Singapore they used it with seafood and in braised fish dishes, like durian fruit it is either something you love initally or cannot stand even think about, but most people do not know it is good for you, it cools you in hot weather and is good for your blood and gall bladder.