It is also known as balsam pear, karela (Hindi) and goya (Okinawan). There are two types of bitter gourd: Chinese type is long, oblong, a smoother surface and is light green in colour. The Indian type is narrower with pointy ends, spiky on the surface and is dark green colour.
For this recipe, use the Chinese type.
The addition of carrot and red dates helps to sweeten the soup and balance the bitterness.
Bitter Gourd (Bitter Melon) Soup Recipe
Ingredients
1 bitter gourd
1 carrot
7 red dates
2L water
400g pork bones
Method
Parboil pork bones for a few minutes. Put all the ingredients into the pot. Boil then simmer for at least 3 hours. Add salt to taste.
