Preparation of Bitter Melon:
Cut the pod in half lengthwise. Scoop out all the seeds and the pithy
parts using a teaspoon. The pith is extremely bitter, you need to get
rid of it.
Wash it with running water. Slice it diagonally. Put into a pan, add
some water and a bit of salt. Bring to a boil.
Boil for a minute and drain. You can now use it in any dish you like.
Other Ways to Tame the Bitterness:
Soak the sliced bitter melon in salt water for a few minutes.
Massage the sliced bitter melon with salt. Wash with running water.
Pinakbet - MMC version of Asian Ratatouille
Ingredients:
4 big tomatoes (about 250g), coarsely chopped
large bitter melon, halved, sliced diagonally, pre-treated with the
above instructions
1 Japanese eggplant, halved lengthwise, sliced diagonally
5 pieces okra, sliced diagonally
2 cloves garlic, crushed
about 100g dried shrimp, washed with water
1 tbsp fish sauce or half tsp salt to taste
1 tsp of vinegar
1 tsp vegetable stock granules(optional)
half glass of water
In a medium-sized saucepan, put the water, garlic, vinegar, stock
granules and fish sauce. Bring to a boil. Add the vegetables, make
sure the tomatoes are on top. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Add the
dried shrimps and cook over low heat for another 15 minutes, or until
the vegetables give up their moisture.