Bitter melon (also called bitter gourd) is packed with nutrients, but its strong bitter taste often keeps many people from enjoying it. Here’s a simple way to remove the bitterness and make a delicious, healthy dish.

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Ingredients for Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup

• 5–6 bitter melons

• About 200g ground meat

• 2–3 wood ear mushrooms

• Green onions, shallots, cilantro

• Salt, pepper, seasoning powder

• Bone broth or plain water

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How to Cook Delicious Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup

1. Prepare the ingredients:

   • Soak the wood ear mushrooms in warm water until soft, then remove the tough stems, wash, and chop finely.

   • Trim green onions, remove any wilted leaves, and chop the white parts. Reserve the green leaves for garnish.

   • Peel and crush shallots, then finely chop them. Wash other herbs, removing any old leaves or roots.

2. Prepare the meat filling:

   • Wash lean pork (or a mix of lean pork and pork fat/ground fish) and drain well. Grind or finely chop until smooth so the filling won’t be dry.

   • Mix the meat with mushrooms, crushed shallots, green onion whites, salt, pepper, and seasoning powder. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes for best flavor.

3. Prepare the bitter melons:

   • Choose firm, evenly shaped melons. To make hollowing easier and keep them intact, boil water with a pinch of salt. Blanch the bitter melons for about one minute, then immediately transfer them to ice-cold water.

   • Cut along one side and remove the seeds and pith carefully.

4. Stuff the melons:

   • Fill each melon with the meat mixture, packing gently but not spilling. Secure the ends with green onion leaves to keep the filling in place while cooking.

5. Cook the soup:

   • Bring the broth (or water with seasoning) to a boil. Add the stuffed bitter melons one by one, boil vigorously, then skim off any foam for a clear broth. Simmer until the melons are tender.

6. Serve:

   • Transfer the soup to a bowl and garnish with cilantro.

Bitter melon soup is very healthy — it can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Enjoy this tasty and nutritious dish!

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Bonus: How to Grow Mint at Home in Water

You can easily grow mint in water without soil. Cut a 10–15 cm stem from an existing mint plant, remove the lower leaves, and place the stem in a glass or bottle of water. Keep it in a bright, cool place with indirect sunlight and change the water daily. New leaves will grow within a few days, and later you can transfer the mint to soil.

Tips for growing mint indoors:

• Use a medium pot (7–12 liters) for optimal growth.

• Mint needs at least 3–4 hours of direct sunlight, so place it near a window or balcony.

• Fertilize lightly with water-soluble or organic fertilizer; too much fertilizer can reduce flavor.

Fresh mint adds wonderful flavor to salads, yogurt, meats, and other dishes, making it a great addition to your home herb garden.