Ingredients:
For the soup:
4-5 bitter melons (khổ qua)
6 cups of water or chicken broth
Salt and pepper, sugar to taste
Scallions and cilantro for garnish
For the stuffing:
1 lb ground pork
1/4 cup dried wood ear mushrooms, soaked and chopped
1 bundle of dried vermicelli noodles, soaked and chopped
1/4 cup cilantro chopped
2 stalk scallion chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1.Prepare the Bitter Melons:
– Cut the bitter melons into 2-3 inch pieces.
– Use a spoon to remove the seeds and the pith inside, creating hollow tubes.
2. Make the Stuffing:
– In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped wood ear mushrooms, chopped vermicelli noodles, chopped scallions, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Stuff the Bitter Melons:
– Carefully stuff the hollow bitter melon pieces with the pork mixture. Pack the filling tightly but be gentle to avoid tearing the bitter melon.
4. Cook the Soup:
– Bring the chicken broth or water to a boil in a large pot.
– Add the stuffed bitter melons to the boiling broth.
– Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 30-45 minute, or until the bitter melons are tender and the stuffing is fully cooked.
– Season the soup with sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve
– Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving includes pieces of the stuffed bitter melon.
– Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro.
Enjoy your Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt!