How to Make Bitter Gourd Soup with Minced Pork

Young leaves and young fruits of this plant can both be cooked and eaten. Bitter Gourd is a nutritious vegetable known for its bitter taste. In Laos, it is commonly used in traditional dishes such as soup, boiled vegetables served with jaew (Lao dipping sauce), or eaten raw as a side dish with larb (Lao minced meat salad).

Bitter Gourd contains dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps you feel full for longer.

Bitter Gourd soup with minced pork is easy to prepare. Cooking the bitter gourd in soup can help make its bitter taste milder. This dish is also suitable for people who want to reduce their salt intake.

Ingredients:

• 5-6 bitter gourd
• 150-200 g minced pork
• 1-2 coriander roots (if available)
• About 500 ml water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon seasoning powder
• 1-2 sprigs of coriander, for garnish
• 1-2 spring onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Wash it thoroughly, cut it in half lengthwise, and remove the inner white part and seeds. Cut it into pieces of your preferred size.
2. Shape the minced pork into small balls or leave it in small pieces.
3. Bring the water to a boil. Add the salt, seasoning powder, and coriander roots.
4. Add the minced pork and cook until it is fully cooked.
5. Add the bitter gourd and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes tender.
6. Turn off the heat. Add the chopped coriander and spring onions.

Tip: Cooking bitter gourd in soup can help reduce its bitter taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and avoid adding too much salt.