Bitter melon is a gourd that originated from India and was introduced in China in the 14th century. Although bitter melon is not a common fruit, it has a lot of health benefits, especially in the warmer seasons. It is rich in fibre, iron, calcium, vitamin c and is great for overall well-being.
From a Chinese medicine perspective, the nature of bitter melon is cool and bitter and enters the heart, spleen, liver, and lung meridians. The therapeutic effect of bitter melon is the cool internal heat, relieve summer heat, reduce inflammation, promote the circulation of Qi, nourishes the blood, tonifies the kidneys and liver, and benefits the eyes.
Ingredients:
- 1 Bitter melon
- 1 egg
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Basil
- Chicken or pork stock
- Black pepper
Method:
- Cut the bitter melon in half and remove and discard the seeds with a small metal spoon
- Place bitter melon in cold water and add sea salt to reduce the bitterness
- Boil the bitter melon for 1 minute, drain, and set aside
- Crack 1 egg into a bowel, and 1 tbsp of chicken or pork stock, black pepper and stir with chopsticks
- Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan with the shallot and garlic.
- Add bitter melon into pan and add another ½ tsp of stock and a sprinkle of sugar
- Add the beaten egg and stir fry until the eggs are golden brown
- Turn off the heat and add green onion and basil
