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Introduction
Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is a tropical fruit that is widely used in Asian cuisine. It is known for its bitter taste and is often used in stir-fries, soups, and curries. However, not everyone appreciates the taste of this fruit. If you are among those who find bitter melon too bitter, you may want to try pickled bitter melon. Pickling mellows the bitterness and imparts a tangy, salty flavor to the fruit.
Ingredients
To make pickled bitter melon, you will need the following ingredients:
1 medium-sized bitter melon
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Follow these steps to make pickled bitter melon:
Wash the bitter melon and cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and discard them.
Cut the bitter melon crosswise into thin slices.
Put the sliced bitter melon in a bowl and sprinkle salt over it. Mix well and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Rinse the bitter melon slices under running water to remove the salt. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the onion and garlic to the saucepan and simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the bitter melon slices to the saucepan and simmer for another 2 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool.
Transfer the pickled bitter melon to a glass jar with a tight lid. Make sure the bitter melon slices are covered with the pickling liquid.
Refrigerate the pickled bitter melon for at least 24 hours before serving.
Nutrition
Pickled bitter melon is low in calories and rich in nutrients. Bitter melon is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. It also contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Pickling bitter melon does not significantly alter its nutritional value. However, pickling does add sodium to the fruit, so it should be consumed in moderation by those who need to limit their sodium intake.
Conclusion
Pickled bitter melon is a tasty and healthy way to enjoy this unique fruit. The pickling process mellows the bitterness and adds a tangy, salty flavor to the fruit. It can be used as a condiment, a side dish, or a snack. Give this recipe a try and see if you can learn to appreciate the taste of bitter melon.