Hearty Simmered Dish of Chicken and Bitter Melon
Cooking up a storm for the approaching Nice Gourd Fest? Here's a simple yet scrumptious recipe for Bitter Gourd and Chicken that'll do the trick!
Yields: 3-4Difficulty: EasyTotal Time: 1 hr (Active Time: 30 mins)
Ingredients:- 1/2 chicken, cut to pieces (choose chicken thighs for added juiciness!)- Approx. 300-400g half bitter gourd/bitter melon- 1 tbsp sesame oil- 1 tbsp tau cheo (soya bean paste)- 1/2 tbsp black fermented beans (rinsed, patted dry, and mashed slightly)- 5 bruised garlic cloves (give them a whack for a better aroma!)- 5 slices ginger- Salt, Chinese wine (shao hsing/hua tiao), light soy sauce (optional), dark soy sauce, and sugar (for sauce)
Sauce:- 1 cup water- 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions:1. Slice the bitter gourd in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and inner pulp. Give it a light rub of salt and let it rest for a few minutes, then rinse to remove some bitterness (opt for a more robust flavor, skip this step). Slice the bitter gourd halves again, then into 2.5cm (1 inch) vertical slices.2. Get oil sizzlin' in a clay pot! Stir fry the tau cheo and fermented black beans until they release a heavenly aroma (around 30 seconds).3. Add the chicken pieces, bitter gourd, garlic, and ginger. Keep stirring until the chicken pieces lose their raw look and gain a delightful bronze hue.4. Season your dish to perfection with light soy sauce, salt, or saltier alternatives like dark soy sauce, or just opt for simplicity and avoid seasonings. Give it a splash of Chinese wine for that extra kick and irresistible aroma (not mandatory, but why deny yourself a treat?).
Serve this delicious dish hot and enjoy every bite! This recipe blends flavors from Chinese and Indian cuisines, making it a versatile dish to showcase at gatherings. Share the love of bitter gourd with friends and family, and create unforgettable memories as you swap recipes and stories. Happy cooking, and cheers to the upcoming Nice Gourd Fest!
- In your research for the upcoming Nice Gourd Fest, consider adding the nutrition-packed Bitter Gourd and Chicken recipe to your culinary lineup, as it's both simple and flavorful.
- If you're aiming for a specific lengthwise presentation of the ingredients, remember to slice the bitter gourd in half before cutting it into vertical slices for the Bitter Gourd and Chicken recipe, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
- For those passionate about nutrition, delve a little deeper into the health benefits of bitter gourd and its unique place in both Chinese and Indian cuisines, as these insights may inspire creative twists on the Bitter Gourd and Chicken recipe to share with festival attendees.
