Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 bitter melons
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Oven-safe dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the bitter melons in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and flesh with a spoon. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, breadcrumbs, and water. Mix well.
4. Stuff the mixture into the bitter melon halves and place them in an oven-safe dish.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bitter melon is tender and the beef is cooked through.
7. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground chicken or turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Olive oil can be used instead of vegetable oil.
Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes to the ground beef mixture for a more saucy filling.
- Top the stuffed bitter melon with cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Use different spices to change up the flavor, such as curry powder or garam masala.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to scoop out all the seeds and flesh from the bitter melon to make room for the filling.
- If the bitter melon halves are too small to hold all the filling, cut them into thirds instead.
- Use a spoon to press the filling into the bitter melon halves to ensure they are tightly packed.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the stuffed bitter melon halves on a bed of rice or with a side salad.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Pair with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with steamed rice or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the bitter melon is not tender after baking, cover the dish with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Bitter melon is a popular vegetable in Asian cuisine and is known for its bitter taste.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is spicy and savory with a slightly bitter taste from the bitter melon.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side of rice or salad.
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Region: Chinese