This recipe unveils the surprisingly delicious world of Bitter Melon Egg Clear Soup, a simple yet flavorful Thai dish perfect for a light lunch or a comforting evening meal. While the name might evoke a slight apprehension due to bitter melon's characteristic taste, fear not! This recipe expertly balances the bitterness with savory broth and the richness of eggs, creating a harmonious and addictive flavor profile. You'll discover that the preparation is remarkably straightforward, requiring readily available ingredients and minimal cooking time. The subtle sweetness of the broth complements the bitter melon beautifully, resulting in a surprisingly refreshing and satisfying soup.
This recipe perfectly showcases the art of balancing contrasting flavors in Thai cuisine. Ready to experience the unique taste of this culinary gem and learn how to master this simple yet elegant dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide below.
Tools Needed
- Pot
Ingredients
- Bitter Melon (Neem)
- Water
- Salt: 1/2 tablespoon
- Coarsely ground pepper: 1 tsp
- Crushed Chinese garlic: 3-4 cloves
- Coriander root: 3 tsp
- Eggs: 5 (small)
- Curry powder
- Sugar
- Soy sauce
- White pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Bitter Melon
- Wash the bitter melon thoroughly.
Step 2. Prepare and Simmer the Soup Broth
- In a pot, combine water, coarsely ground pepper, crushed garlic, coriander root, salt, curry powder, sugar, soy sauce, and white pepper. Stir until dissolved.
Step 3. Cook the Eggs and Bitter Melon
- Bring water to a boil, add salt. Add the bitter melon and boil or blanch. Don't boil for too long if you don't want it too bitter.
- Bring the broth to a boil. Add the eggs and cook until they rise to the surface.
- Add the blanched bitter melon to the boiling soup.
- Boil the bitter melon briefly to maintain the soup's flavor and texture.
Step 4. Serve
- Ladle out and serve.
Read more: Creamy Thai Coconut Turkey Meatballs: Easy Recipe
Tips
- Bitter melon might be expensive during certain seasons.
- If you like a stronger bitter flavor, boil the bitter melon for a longer time.
- The water from boiling the bitter melon adds flavor to the soup.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 150-200
- Fat: 5-8g
- Carbs: 15-20g
- Protein: 10-13g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute bitter melon with another vegetable?
While bitter melon is key to the dish's unique flavor, you could try adding other greens like spinach or bok choy for a milder version. However, the taste will be significantly different.
2. How can I reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon?
Salting the sliced bitter melon and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes helps draw out some of the bitterness before cooking. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
3. What if I don't have fish sauce?
Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for fish sauce, but the flavor will be slightly different. You might need to adjust the amount depending on your preference.
This simple Bitter Melon Egg Clear Soup recipe is a testament to the magic of Thai cuisine, showcasing a beautiful balance of flavors in a surprisingly easy-to-make dish. Enjoy the refreshing taste and the satisfaction of creating this authentic Thai meal at home. We hope you savor every spoonful!