Are you looking for a quick, easy, and healthy dinner recipe? Then look no further! This Ampalaya with Egg recipe is a simple yet incredibly flavorful Filipino dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal. Ampalaya, also known as bitter melon, might sound intimidating, but with this recipe, its bitterness is perfectly balanced by the savory eggs and aromatic garlic. This dish is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest – delicious, nutritious, and surprisingly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized ampalaya (bitter melon), about 200g
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ampalaya: Wash the ampalaya thoroughly. Cut it in half lengthwise, then remove the seeds and white pith. Slice the ampalaya thinly, about 1/4 inch thick. This helps reduce the bitterness. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This draws out some of the moisture and bitterness. Rinse the ampalaya slices under cold water and pat them dry.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a pan or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant and slightly softened, about 1 minute.
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Cook the Ampalaya: Add the prepared ampalaya slices to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until slightly softened but still crisp-tender.
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Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into the pan. Gently scramble the eggs with the ampalaya, ensuring the eggs are evenly distributed. Continue to cook until the eggs are set to your liking.
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Season and Finish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a slightly wetter dish, add 1/4 cup of water and cook for another minute or two, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ampalaya with Egg:
- Reducing Bitterness: The key to a delicious ampalaya dish is properly preparing the bitter melon. Removing the seeds and white pith is essential. Salting and rinsing also helps mitigate bitterness.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked ampalaya will become mushy. Aim for a slightly crisp-tender texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. You can also add a dash of soy sauce or fish sauce for extra flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Ampalaya with Egg: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper for a spicy kick.
- Ampalaya with Egg and Tomatoes: Add 1/2 cup of chopped tomatoes along with the onions for extra flavor and color.
- Ampalaya with Egg and Shrimp: Add cooked shrimp to the dish for a protein boost.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin C and Vitamin A, found in the ampalaya. The eggs add protein. The nutritional content will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size. Consult a nutrition calculator for a more precise analysis.
This simple Ampalaya with Egg recipe is a testament to the deliciousness of healthy eating. It’s a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, and it's a great way to introduce a new vegetable into your diet. Enjoy!