Delicious and Nutritious Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup Recipe

Stuffed bitter melon soup is a refreshing, nutritious dish that is easy to prepare at home. Not only does this soup help cool the body, but it also offers numerous health benefits thanks to the harmonious blend of natural ingredients. Let’s explore the detailed recipe to make a delicious pot of soup.

Ingredients Needed

To make stuffed bitter melon soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Bitter melon: 2-3 medium-sized (about 300g)
• Soft tofu: 2 pieces (soft or medium firmness)
• Dried shiitake mushrooms: 5-6 pieces (soaked in hot water until soft)
• Carrot: 1/2 small, finely chopped
• Scallions and cilantro: a few sprigs, finely chopped
• Seasonings: salt, ground pepper, vegetarian seasoning powder, cooking oil
• Vegetable broth: about 1 liter (or plain water)

Main ingredients for stuffed bitter melon soup

Steps to Follow

1. Preparing the Ingredients

• Bitter melon: Wash thoroughly, trim both ends, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pith. Soak the bitter melon in diluted salt water for about 10 minutes to reduce bitterness.
• Tofu: Gently press to remove excess water, then mash with a spoon.
• Shiitake mushrooms: Remove the stems, wash, and finely chop.
• Carrot: Peel, wash, and finely chop.

2. Mixing the Tofu Filling

In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients thoroughly:

• Mashed tofu
• Finely chopped shiitake mushrooms
• Finely chopped carrot
• Finely chopped scallions and cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon vegetarian seasoning powder

Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until well combined.

Mixing the tofu filling with additional ingredients

3. Stuffing the Bitter Melon

Gently stuff the tofu mixture into each prepared bitter melon. Be careful not to overstuff to prevent the filling from breaking during cooking.

4. Cooking the Soup

• Place a pot on the stove and add about 1 liter of vegetable broth (or plain water). Bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, carefully add the stuffed bitter melons to the pot. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the bitter melons are tender.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste (add more salt or seasoning powder if needed).

5. Finishing and Serving

When the bitter melons are soft, turn off the heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with ground pepper and cilantro for added flavor. This soup pairs wonderfully with hot rice and is both delicious and nutritious.

Finished stuffed bitter melon soup

Benefits of Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup

• Cooling the body: Bitter melon has a cooling effect, helping to detoxify the body and reduce feelings of heat.
• Nutrient-rich: Tofu is high in plant-based protein, while shiitake mushrooms and carrots provide essential vitamins and minerals.
• Suitable for vegetarians: This recipe is completely meat-free, making it ideal for vegetarians or those looking to try a healthy dish.

Conclusion

Stuffed bitter melon soup is a simple dish that is packed with nutritional value and unique flavors. With the detailed recipe above, you can easily make this soup at home to treat your family. Give it a try and share your results!

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