Recipe #5: Sauteed Bitter Gourd ( Ampalaya )

Ingredients:

1 pc. ampalaya or bitter gourd

1/4 ground meat ( or canned spicy meat)

Malunggay Leaves

1 onion, chopped

2 tomatoes, sliced

5 gloves garlic, crushed

Chili (optional)

Cooking oil

2 eggs, bitten

1 1/2 cups water 

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp. Patis ( Fish Sauce) or Soy Sauce

Ampalaya (Bitter Gourd): Removing the Bitterness

1.) Cut Ampalaya in the midle

2.) Remove the middle part of Ampalaya, the chopped

3.) Mash ampalaya with 1 cup of rock salt and water, soak for 30 mins. 

4.) Wash ampalaya and set aside

Cooking Directions:

1.) In pan, saute garlic, onion, tomatoes, ground meat in cooking oil

2.) Simmer for 5 mins.

3.) Add Ampalaya (washed), Malunggay Leaves, water, salt and pepper to taste

4.) Simmer for 10 mins. 

5.) Add egg and chili, cook for 1-2 mins and serve.

Tip: Do not cover the pan and stir only after the egg is cooked.