ampalaya guisado

ampalaya (bitter melon) is a very popular veggie here. a lot of recipes are available for this bitter veggie. once you develop your taste for ampalaya, you'll definitely crave for one.

there are techniques in minimizing the bitterness of the fruit. one is to put little salt on the ampalaya after slicing then squeeze out the juices. just be careful not to mash the flesh.

the other is not to over mix the veggie when cooking. just let it stay on the pan till ready.

but for my taste, i like its mellow bitterness that embraces your taste buds.

on this dish, this is a version very easy to make using everyday ingredients. an option is to add canned sardines after sauteing the garlic and onions. but this simple dish is perfect in itself.

ampalaya guisado

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 medium onion

2 medium tomatoes

2 eggs

1 large ampalaya

salt and pepper

chop the garlic. slice the onions in rings. chop and seed the tomatoes. heat the pan with little oil. add the chopped garlic till golden brown. add the sliced onions and saute till translucent. add chopped tomatoes. saute till tender but still firm.

lightly beat the eggs and add it to the saute. swirl the egg around to cover the bottom of the pan creating a flat yellow mixture. slice the egg in slivers using your ladle and mix around.

add the sliced ampalaya. heat through for about 5 minutes. add salt and pepper to taste.